Cedi Osman: Cavs ‘Definitely’ East Contender After Donovan Mitchell Trade

Cedi Osman is currently starring for Turkey in the EuroBasket tournament, but his mind is at least partially on the Cavaliers.

More specifically, Osman addressed the addition of star guard Donovan Mitchell, acquired by the Cavs in a trade with the Jazz.

“Obviously, it’s a great addition to the team,” Osman told Edvinas Jablonskis of BasketNews. “I believe that everybody [in the organization] is excited.”

Of course, it’s more than just excitement. Osman thinks the addition of Mitchell to the likes of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen should get results on the court.

When asked if he thinks the move makes the Cavs a legitimate Eastern Conference contender, Osman answered with one word.

“Definitely,” he told Jablonskis.

It’s hard to argue, as the Cavs finished 44-38 last season and despite an array of untimely injuries, were in the playoff race all year.

Most around the league seem to think they are clearly better now.

As for Osman, most around the league also view this as a make-or-break season in Cleveland. The Cavs have explored Osman trades this summer, but found there was little interest, sources said.

So now he will get another run with the Cavs, who are expected to have a training camp battle to see who starts at small forward. Osman will certainly get a shot, but he’ll have to be a lot better than last season.

Maybe the presence of Mitchell will help in that regard.

For more on the Osman trade, check out my video analysis of how Mitchell sets up the Cavs to be contenders right here, and listen to the Cavs on the Break podcast right here. I also wrote some Dribbles on the deal, which you can read right here.

There will always be Donovan Mitchell fans in Utah.

Once a Jazzman, always a Jazzman ? pic.twitter.com/MpGRH9OGZx

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) September 3, 2022