Cavs' Cedi Osman unconcerned as trade rumors swirl

INDEPENDENCE — Cedi Osman is trying to block out the noise. Like everyone else, the Cavaliers swingman has heard the trade rumors. "I've been hearing those things," he said. "I'm focusing on basketball. I can't control that. I'm trying to get better. "It's been six years since coming over, six years in Cleveland. I'm happy here and this is my home. You cannot control that, so at one point, if it happens it happens. But I'm just here right now and I'm happy being a Cleveland Cavalier." While playing on the Turkish National Team at EuroBasket over the summer, he said he spoke to Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff and general manager Mike Gansey. One can be sure those trade rumors were discussed. The 6-foot-7, 230-pounder said he believes the 2021-22 season was his best in the NBA. He averaged 10.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists and shot 43.2 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from the 3-point line in 66 games. "Last season, I would say it was my best season in the league," he said. "I knew my role and what the coaches were asking from me. I want to add more onto it." Osman is among six players vying for the starting job at small forward. He did little to cement a starting job on Monday in the Cavs' 113-97 preseason loss to Philadelphia, finishing with four points in almost 17 minutes while shooting 1-of-7 from the field and 0-of-4 from the 3-point line. The Cavs were particularly woeful from the 3-point line and made just 5-of-21 attempts (23.8 percent). "Everybody competing here to get that role," he said. "We're good friends, but when we step on the court, we're competing." Osman, 27, said the addition of guard Donovan Mitchell makes the Cavs a "serious" contender. "I feel now more people are respecting us and believing in us," he said. "If we do play like we did last year, we'll be really dangerous. "From the way we played last season, I'm excited about the addition of Donovan. I think we're better. We were disappointed how we finished the season. It made us even hungrier." Even though he struggled against the 76ers, Mitchell has made his presence felt on the deep and talented team. "He's an All-Star," Osman said. "He's so competitive in practice. He's pushing us all the time. He's been in the playoffs every year. We need his experience." Osman had a busy offseason. Not only did he play in the European Championships, he also got married. "It was one of the best days of my life," he said. "It was a great summer. I know how important this year will be for us and myself. I can't wait to get on the court. Right now everything is going pretty well." The Cavs (0-2) will host the Atlanta Hawks at 7 tonight at Rocker Mortgage FieldHouse. Mounting turnovers The Cavs turned the ball over 16 times in their loss to Philadelphia on Monday, including seven in the first quarter. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff said turnovers in the "13-14 range" is acceptable. He said he can live with turnovers when players are "being aggressive and going to the basket." "Playing in a crowd and being careless with the ball (are not acceptable)," Bickerstaff said. Point guard Darius Garland had five turnovers against the Sixers and Mitchell added four. Contact Bob Finnan at rfinnan30@gmail.com.