2025-11-17 11:00
When I first saw Cedi Osman step onto an NBA court back in 2017, I remember thinking how refreshing it was to see a European player with such raw, unpolished athleticism. Over the years, I’ve tracked his career with a mix of admiration and frustration—because, let’s be honest, Osman’s journey hasn’t been a straight upward trajectory. But that’s what makes analyzing his stats so compelling. As of the 2022-23 season, he’s averaged 9.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game across 385 regular-season appearances. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a player whose impact often transcends the box score. Interestingly, while researching this piece, I came across a statement from Rosales, who told a handful of reporters on Friday that it will be the PBA which has the authority to speak about the status of the Dyip franchise at the close of the Philippine Cup. That got me thinking about how different leagues handle transparency around player and team evaluations—something the NBA generally excels at, even when discussing role players like Osman.
One of the things I appreciate about Osman is his versatility. Standing at 6’7” with a decent wingspan, he’s spent time at both forward positions, occasionally sliding to the two-guard in smaller lineups. His career shooting splits—43.2% from the field, 35.5% from three, and 72.8% from the free-throw line—paint the picture of an average shooter, but I’ve noticed his confidence from beyond the arc has grown. In the 2020-21 season, for instance, he knocked down 38% of his triples on about five attempts per game. That’s not elite, but it’s respectable for a wing who often has to create his own shot. Defensively, he’s had his struggles, especially against quicker guards, but his steal rate of 1.1 per 36 minutes shows he’s active and disruptive in passing lanes. I’ve always felt that his defensive effort gets overlooked because he’s not a lockdown defender, but he rarely takes possessions off, which matters more than people think.
Looking at his advanced stats, Osman’s Player Efficiency Rating (PER) has hovered around 12.5 for most of his career, which is below the league average but not disastrous for a bench player. His Win Shares per 48 minutes sit at approximately 0.065, indicating he contributes to winning, albeit in a limited role. What stands out to me, though, is his usage rate—usually around 18%—which tells you he’s not a primary option but knows how to pick his spots. I remember a game against the Celtics last season where he dropped 18 points off the bench, including four three-pointers, and the Cavaliers outscored Boston by 12 points when he was on the floor. Moments like that remind you why he’s stuck around. Still, consistency has been his Achilles’ heel. There are nights he looks like a legit sixth man, and others where he disappears entirely. That’s the maddening beauty of players like Osman—you’re always left wanting more.
From a team perspective, Osman’s impact often comes down to spacing and energy. In today’s pace-and-space NBA, having a forward who can shoot, handle the ball a bit, and make quick decisions is valuable, even if he’s not a star. I’ve spoken with scouts who say his basketball IQ is underrated; he’s good at moving without the ball and finding gaps in the defense. On the flip side, his turnover rate of 12.5% is a bit high for a role player, and he can be prone to ill-advised drives into traffic. But let’s be real: how many bench wings are perfect? What I admire is his resilience. After being drafted by Minnesota in 2015 and traded to Cleveland on draft night, he had to grind through the post-LeBron years, adapting to different coaches and systems. That kind of journey builds character, and it shows in his professionalism.
In terms of career trajectory, I don’t see Osman evolving into an All-Star, but he’s carved out a nice niche as a reliable rotation piece. At 28 years old, he’s in his prime, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays another five or six seasons, maybe even finishing his career overseas where his skill set would be highly valued. Comparing him to other role players, like Joe Ingles or Nicolas Batum in their later years, there’s a template for success if he continues to hone his three-point shot and decision-making. Personally, I’d love to see him on a contender where his shooting and hustle could shine in a lower-pressure role. Imagine him spotting up for corner threes on a team like the Warriors or Celtics—he’d be a fan favorite in no time.
Wrapping this up, Cedi Osman’s stats tell a story of a solid, if unspectacular, NBA career. He’s the kind of player every good team needs—someone who can fill minutes, hit open shots, and compete on both ends. While he may never average 20 points a game or make an All-Defensive team, his contributions matter. In a league obsessed with superstars, it’s players like Osman who often glue rotations together. As Rosales highlighted in that PBA context, clarity and authority in evaluating talent are crucial, and in the NBA, Osman’s value is clear: he’s a dependable professional who’s made the most of his opportunities. For me, that’s worth celebrating, even if the numbers aren’t always flashy.
