3 Cleveland Cavaliers who need to step up in the playoffs

Cedi Osman

Everyone loves Cedi Osman. He has an infectious personality that has everyone over the moon about him. Yet, his play at times, at least offensively, can be iffy. Yes, there are built-in explainers for why his shot doesn’t always fall. He’s used inconsistently, he isn’t used in a manner that takes advantage of his skills, and he’s passed over for other shooters.

Yes, all of that is true. As is his streaky nature.

It’s also true that he’s averaging the most efficient season of his career, at least as a full-time contributor. Is his best season good enough for the Cavs, however? Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff doesn’t think so.

Osman’s minutes have fluctuated all year, and in recent weeks Bickerstaff has run his starters out for 40 minutes a game on many occasions. He’s not just not relying on Osman, he’s not relying on his bench as a whole. The bench hasn’t been great. A strength last year, it’s not had the same efficacy as it once had.

So it’s understandable that Bickerstaff is prioritizing winning over keeping a constant rotation. That said, Bickerstaff’s over-reliance on young legs could end up hurting the Cavs not only in the long-term with injuries but in the short term. The Cavs can’t compete against 17 other teams in the playoffs with just five players.

Bickerstaff needs to rely on his bench and that includes Osman. It’s up to Osman to be ready when his number is called.