By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Cedi Osman has been in the NBA since 2017. He spent most of his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers but left the Ohio-based franchise last summer in a trade to join the San Antonio Spurs.
Even though the Spurs weren’t in playoff contention, he enjoyed a solid season, playing 72 games and averaging 6.8 points with 2.5 rebounds. He is currently injured, so with four games left in the regular season, it is possible that Osman played his last game for the Texans.
The 29-year-old’s four-year contract, which he signed with the Cavs in 2020, is expiring, but the former Anadolu Efes player is open to returning for more.
“Changing teams and coming to a brand new team has been a good change for myself. I’m really happy I’m here. I really built a great relationship here with everyone, and I would love to come back. At the end of the day, it’s a business. We’ll see how it goes,” Osman said, per San Antonio Express-News.
Among many young Spurs players, like French prodigy Victor Wembanyama and potential Polish national team star Jeremy Sochan, Osman had the most experience.
“It is a role that is a little bit unusual for me. Being one of the oldest guys on the team, I don’t know if it feels good or feels bad.”
He built a solid relationship with legendary coach Gregg Popovich, even though he screamed at him at the very first practice.
“One thing I’ve learned from playing in Europe is when a coach is not talking to you or yelling at you, you’re not even in his mind. As long as he’s yelling at you, he cares about you.”
Popovich is fond of the Turkish international and how he played this season. Another sign that Cedi Osman might don San Antonio’s jersey in the future?
“He’s kind of a team favorite. He’s a lot of fun. He gets in the game and none of us really know what he’s going to do, but he’s going to be active and aggressive.” Popovich said.