Formers Cavaliers and Spurs wing Cedi Osman is leaving the NBA to sign with Greek club Panathinaikos, as relayed by a report from Eurohoops.net.
Earlier reports from this month suggested Osman was in advanced talks with Spanish club Real Madrid, but the two sides were ultimately unable to get a deal done. Eurohoops.net also writes that Osman had an offer on the table from the Lakers to join the team for training camp, but he turned it down without having assurances he’d make the regular season roster.
Osman was just one of three players left on the Hoops Rumors’ top 50 available free agents list this offseason, being ranked at No. 46 to begin free agency. Only Isaac Okoro (No. 26) and Markelle Fultz (No. 43) remain without teams from that list.
The former Cavaliers wing is a seven-year pro, spending his first six seasons in Cleveland. He was sent to the Spurs last offseason in the sign-and-trade that re-routed Max Strus to the Cavs. In 476 games (186 starts), Osman holds averages of 9.3 points and 3.0 rebounds on 35.7% shooting from deep.
Although his per-minute production was nearly the lowest of his career last season, he offers value as a sharpshooting veteran wing. However, with roster spots dried up around the league, he’s making the move overseas.
According to a separate report from Sportando, the deal between Osman and Panathinaikos happened quickly. Reportedly, the deciding factor was a conversation between him and Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman, who also serves as Osman’s coach on the Turkish national team.
Source link
