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Cleveland Cavaliers: 4 goals following 2019 NBA All-Star break

By Ryan Piers

CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 13: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the second overtime against the Brooklyn Nets at Quicken Loans Arena on February 13, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Nets defeated the Cavaliers 148-139 in three overtimes. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 13: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the second overtime against the Brooklyn Nets at Quicken Loans Arena on February 13, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Nets defeated the Cavaliers 148-139 in three overtimes. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

4. Figure out Cedi Osman

Story lines concerning Rodney Hood‘s potential and Larry Nance Jr.’s athleticism absorbed preseason coverage in Cavs camp. Which of those two would develop the quickest in the franchise’s rebuild?

The answer is neither. It was quickly apparent Hood wouldn’t pan out and Nance struggled from October through January. (We’ll talk about his February a little later on.)

Cedi Osman, on the other hand, quickly established himself as someone who belongs. “Jedi” blitzed out of the gate with a double-double on opening night against the Toronto Raptors and encored with a 22-point performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Most notably, his shot had obviously improved.

https://twitter.com/cavs/status/1053474887501664256

After a midseason slump, Osman has played well, scoring 20-plus points in three of four games to close out February. The Turkish native also received high praise from the man, the myth and the legend, Luka Doncic. That along with an appearance in the Rising Stars Challenge certainly cemented his clout.

So, the arrow is pointing up for Osman. Now Cleveland just needs to expedite his development. Could he be Paul George, or is Danilo Gallinari more realistic? Or maybe his career will mirror P.J. Tucker‘s?

The best teams have the best small forwards. The Cavs can’t assume it will come in this year’s draft. Osman might be the answer, for better or worse.

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