New look Cavs host Celtics in Preseason

 

Key Match-ups

Sam Dekker v Jayson Tatum

Depending on what line-ups Celtics coach Brad Stevens uses tonight these two could be on each other quite a bit. Dekker is one of the least talked about additions to the Cleveland roster this off-season, but this is the type of match-up where Dekker can have Cavs fans take notice. Everyone knows the skill level of Dekker’s counter part, Jayson Tatum, as Tatum hopes to build off his strong rookie season.

Dekker on the other hand is entering his fourth season in the NBA, and playing for his third NBA franchise ( Hou, LAC.) In his first three seasons Dekker has played a smaller role, but in Cleveland he has an opportunity to play bigger minutes. Only 24 years old, Dekker is in a situation where he should be familiar to where he had success in the past. As a player at Wisconsin Dekker thrived in a system that was built around ball movement and making the right basketball play. Dekker is an intelligent player and is a student of the game, so hopefully the new system in Cleveland can play to Dekker’s strength.

Cedi Osman v Jaylen Brown

One of the biggest changes the Cleveland Cavaliers last season with their big mid-season trade was the influx of youth onto the roster. The drafting of Collin Sexton and off-season additions of various players continues this trend, but before all of that there was one “gem” of youth the Cavs had.

That “gem” was of course none other than Cedi Osman.

It has been known since before training camp that Cedi Osman was going be asked to be much more of a playmaker in his second season. Obviously the roster turnover played a part, but because the Cavs had confidence that Osman could handle it. This was on display Tuesday night in Boston when the Cavs saw Osman not only bring the ball up the floor but also pose the ability to initiate the offense.

Osman scored 11 points to go with his seven rebounds and four assists, in 19 minutes of action Tuesday night. A game that saw Osman do a little bit of everything, even hit an off the dribble three. tonight is just another opportunity for Osman to get in game reps against a quality opponent, the stat line doesn’t make a difference but the lessons the young Cedi learns on the court will prove huge for the Cavs this season.

 

Pages: 1 2