San Antonio Spurs Season Preview: How Does Cedi Osman Benefit From Fresh Start?

Cedi Osman has yet to play an NBA season outside of Cleveland, but a fresh start with a new, young San Antonio Spurs team could be all he needs to restore his production to a high level off the bench.

Unless you're an avid follower of San Antonio Spurs basketball, you might not have even known that former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Cedi Osman is now a Spur. 

Between adding Victor Wembanyama and re-signing Gregg Popovich to a long-term extension, Osman's arrival in San Antonio largely went unnoticed. That doesn't mean his potential is any less exciting, however. 

Coming off of his sixth season in Cleveland, Osman's offensive production was at a career low — not counting his largely bench-ridden season during his rookie year. 

Osman averaged just 8.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 77 games played, but while he might not have impacted the game in the way he was able to during a majority of his other seasons with the Cavs, that has the potential to change this season.

It'll just depend on his role, and he knows that.

Oct 13, 2023; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Cedi Osman (16) shoots over Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson (55) during the first half at Frost Bank Center / © Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

"I'm trying to see how I can help [the team]," Osman said. "I'm trying yo see what everybody likes to do. Whether it be getting a rebound and pushing the ball, trying to set up my teammates or scor[ing] when I have the opportunity."

Osman isn't included in the Spurs' plethora of "young talent." He has five seasons to his name, NBA Finals experience and is the only Spur to play more than 48 minutes in a single game. He's made his rounds, but even so, he's been able to find areas to improve his game with the Spurs during training camp.  

"Every day, I feel like it's getting better and better," Osman said. "I think we're really learning how to play against each other. ... We've gotten better. I think that everything is going well right now."

Entering this season, Osman is on the last year of his four-year, $31 million contract he signed with Cleveland. After this year, the small forward will hit unrestricted free agency, but not before one more go-round on his current deal in San Antonio. 

Osman has new surroundings. He has a new coach with potential to bring out the best parts of his game and he has new teammates to learn from, as well as mentor. Spending time in San Antonio certainly will differ from Cleveland, but a fresh start isn't always a bad thing. 

In fact, Osman very well could be set up for the best season of his career off of the bench. He'll just have to prove it. Luckily for San Antonio, he's already got the first step down: 

"I'm definitely happy to part of this team," Osman said.