Dec 13, 2023; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Cedi Osman (16) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie (10) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Spurs Season-In-Review: Cedi Osman's Future Unclear, But Feasible In San Antonio

Originally posted on San Antonio Spurs on SI | Last updated Jun 12, 2024 5:30 PM ET

NOV. 28, 2023 — Round 2 of their 3-game season series against the Los Angeles Clippers wasn't worse on paper than the first one was for the San Antonio Spurs, but it felt like it.

Admittedly, there wasn't much lower to go than a 40-point loss, but being on the road against a team with four bona fide All-Stars just three games into the Victor Wembanyama era was sure to produce an ugly result. In other words, losing that bad the first time was expected.

The second time, however, was a different story.

Being at home with more games under their belt was supposed to help the Spurs to find their rhythm and put up a fight, but they didn't. LA walked into Frost Bank Center and delivered a 25-point smackdown to send San Antonio's fanbase home disappointed and rudely awakened.

That game revealed that the Spurs were not going to be contenders. But, on a positive note, it also revealed a potential breakout star. Or so it seemed.

"When a team is [this] young, each [player] is hesitant," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said of the disparity between his team and the experienced Clippers. "Usually, your leaders are your best players, and they're usually All-Stars. So, when games wind down, we're going to be all over the map.

"We're going to lose big some nights and win other nights."

The Spurs' matchup against the Clippers certainly fit the former. They were all over the map, except for one player who looked calm and collected: Cedi Osman.

Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

That night at home, Osman took over in the first half to help the Spurs make a push at LA's lead before it inevitably pulled away late in the game. As a newcomer — acquired in the offseason from the Cleveland Cavaliers — he showed his worth with 17 efficient points.

Perhaps he was going to be a player the Spurs could bgin to rely in crunch times during games?

Perhaps not.

"He's a team player," Popovich said of Osman when asked about his standout performance. He's a complementary player, (but) we're not going to use him the way (the Clippers) use Paul George."

This article first appeared on San Antonio Spurs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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