Boston Celtics: “Pass or Pursue” on 5 recently listed $9.7M TPE targets
By Mark Nilon
Boston Celtics TPE target No. 2) Cedi Osman
The depth at the wing position has been rather shallow for quite some time for the Boston Celtics, which is why seeing a player such a Cedi Osman on a list such as this is rather unsurprising.
Coming off of his fourth season in the association, the Turkish-born baller kept his scoring averages to about what his career numbers are (posted 10.4 points per game) but, unfortunately, the small forward’s efficiency took a nose-dive along the way, as he converted on just 37 percent of his attempts from the floor and 30.6 percent of his attempts from deep.
Despite his lackluster performance in 2020-21, Quinn still believes that Osman has plenty of qualities that could ultimately help the Boston Celtics this coming year:
"Earning $8 million on a declining deal extending two seasons beyond next, he is a career 34.7% shot from deep, but makes up for his perimeter mediocrity with a solid passing game. He might not have much more growth at 26, but he is an established rotation player who can help Boston on a quality deal."
Now yes, Osman has proven to be a quality player in this league and, when given opportunities, he has generally delivered (just two seasons ago posted per-game averages of 11 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on 44 percent shooting from the floor and 38 percent shooting from deep).
That said, though we’ve already stated that the Cs could use for some more firepower in the wing department, the acquisition of Osman would almost certainly result in a decreased role for young guys like Aaron Nesmith and Romeo Langford, both of whom are still fighting to live up to their lofty lottery selections from two of three most recent drafts.
The 26-year-old is a solid role player in this league, and that is something that cannot be denied but is he really someone that would be worth cutting into the development of the team’s young wings?
This year, many, including ourselves, expect a big jump from specifically Nesmith. In order for him to have a chance of accomplishing such a move forward, the 21-year-old will need to see extended playing time, and Osman — who, again, is solid but has lacking upside — would easily eat into his minutes.
Because of this, we feel as though it would likely be best for the Boston Celtics to stay away from the wing.