Turkish forward jumps to Cleveland Cavs

ISTANBUL

Turkish forward Cedi Osman has announced he is leaving Anadolu Efes to join the roster of NBA heavyweights the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Speaking to the Turkish sports channel NTVSpor, Macedonian-born Osman, 22, said he was thrilled to be able to play alongside some of the NBA’s hottest stars. 

“The first NBA team I have spoken with was the Cleveland Cavaliers. They believe that I’ll contribute to the team so much. They told me they have high hopes for me. This will be a big responsibility for me. Their faith makes me happy,” Osman, said, adding that the Eastern Conference team has been following him for three years.

“I am thrilled to play on the same team as LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. They are expecting my help, especially in defense, as the team [already] has players doing a lot in offense,” he said, thanking Anadolu Efes, his home since 2012.

The Cavs lost the 2017 NBA finals against the Golden State Warriors 4-1 in the series.

After beating the Warriors 4-3 in the finals, they claimed the NBA title for the first and only time so far in 2016.