Cedi Osman, dubbed the “Jedi” of Panathinaikos: His Bond with LeBron James, the Free Throw Plight, and the… Defeat of His Former Team, Efes
In May 2024, Panathinaikos clinched the Euroleague title by overcoming Real Madrid in the finals held in Berlin.
This victory marked the team’s seventh European title, prompting the need for further reinforcement to sustain their success. One of the players Ergin Ataman brought on board was Cedi Osman.
At just 30 years old, Osman serves as the captain of Turkey’s national team and has a robust NBA career. He played alongside LeBron James at the Cleveland Cavaliers, reaching the Finals during his rookie season in 2017-18, though the team suffered a 4-0 loss to Golden State before LeBron’s departure to Los Angeles.
Cedi Osman, Panathinaikos’ “Jedi”: His Connection with LeBron James, the Free Throw Woes, and the… Ousting of His Old Team, Efes
Joining Panathinaikos at 29, Osman expressed his aspiration to win the Euroleague upon arriving in Greece, as his career predominantly features only a Greek Cup, a Turkish Cup, and a Turkish Super Cup.
Osman emerged as the standout player in Panathinaikos’ playoff series against Efes, leading the team to the Final Four in Abu Dhabi.
Incredibly, he even composed a chant for Abu Dhabi in Greek!
An Impressive Series and Reactions from Turkey
As a versatile player who can operate as both a small forward and power forward, Osman contributes on both ends of the court, particularly excelling in fast breaks.
Osman commented: “The behavior shown towards Ataman was disrespectful.”
During the five-game series against Efes, where he had previously played from 2011 to 2017, Osman faced intense criticism. In Game 4 in Istanbul, he and coach Ataman faced booing from the crowd. He remarked, “I can handle the boos directed at me, but the treatment of coach Ataman, a two-time Euroleague champion, was entirely disrespectful.”
OSMAN ON FIRE in Game 5 | CAREER-HIGH Performance Sends Panathinaikos to the FINAL FOUR
Osman transformed into a superstar during the Efes series. He scored 11 points in the first game at OAKA, 16 in the second, 9 in the third, and led the way with 22 in the fourth.
He set a new career high with 28 points in Game 5 at OAKA, along with 8 rebounds, earning the Euroleague’s MVP title for the match.
Following his strong performance in Game 4, Osman faced backlash from Turkish commentators. Turkish presenter Pinar Ilık Uce stated, “He must remember he’s the national team captain,” while former player Cüneyt Erden remarked, “He shouldn’t forget his roots.” However, he ignored the criticism and proceeded undeterred into Game 5, even singing a chant in Greek.
Cedi Osman, Panathinaikos’ “Jedi”: His Bond with LeBron James, the Free Throw Plight, and the… Defeat of His Former Team, Efes.
Osman’s commitment to his country was evident during the 2020 earthquakes when he pledged $100 for every three-pointer made by the Cavaliers and Bulls to support earthquake victims back home.
“I Adore Athens, the Culture, the Cuisine”
Having previously enjoyed vacations in Greece, Cedi Osman and his wife moved to Athens in the summer of 2024. He expressed his love for the city, stating, “I adore Athens! The food, the people – everything is perfect here.”
He has explored landmarks like the Acropolis, remarking on the city’s beauty and its closeness to his homeland. He observed, “The cultures are similar, and I feel at home.”
His wife, Ebru Şahin, a well-known Turkish actress, is also delighted to be in Greece, taking up Greek lessons since their move.
Osman initially signed a one-year deal with Panathinaikos in the summer of 2024, but the club extended his contract until 2027, securing his presence in Greece for at least two additional years.
Osman stated, “My NBA journey isn’t over, but I’m here to achieve back-to-back Euroleague titles!”
He selected Panathinaikos due to the influence of coach Ataman, the club’s remarkable history, and the goal of securing an eighth European title.
“I’m aiming for back-to-back titles with Panathinaikos. We’ve got a strong team and are determined to succeed in the Euroleague,” he declared eagerly upon his arrival in Athens.
Background, Gold at Crete, and Playing Alongside LeBron James
Cedi Osman was born on April 8, 1995, in Ohrid, North Macedonia. With a mother from Bosnia and a Turkish father, he began his basketball career in Bosnia and soon opted to represent the Turkish National Team.
Cedi Osman, Panathinaikos’ “Jedi”: The Bond with LeBron James, the Free Throw Woes, and the… Defeat of His Old Team, Efes
In 2014, he was pivotal in leading Turkey’s U-20 team to gold at the European Championship in Crete, scoring 20 points in the final against Spain.
Cedi Osman, Panathinaikos’ “Jedi”: The Bond with LeBron James, the Free Throw Woes, and the… Defeat of His Former Team, Efes
Professionally, he played for Efes from 2011 to 2017.
Under coach Vangelis Aggelou, who described Osman as a player of adaptability with a strong character, he transitioned from playmaking in youth teams to forward roles, eventually flourishing in the NBA.
Cedi Osman’s crossover causes a big reaction from LeBron James 😂
Drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2015, Osman joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017, playing alongside LeBron James.
Cedi Osman scored 29 points and hit 7 three-pointers against the Clippers during the 22/23 season.
He remained with the Cavaliers until 2023, gaining widespread recognition for his impressive performances and work ethic.
Even though his time with LeBron was brief, James remarked on their strengthening bond throughout the season.
Cedi Osman, Panathinaikos’ “Jedi”: The Connection with LeBron James, the Free Throw Challenge, and the… Ousting of His Former Team, Efes
Osman earned $39,443,844 during his seven years in the NBA. In the 2020-21 season, he was compensated $8,840,580, maintaining a similar salary the following season.
In his last season in the NBA, he made $7 million from the Spurs but opted for Greece, turning down comparable offers from other teams.
In the summer of 2024, reports indicated Real Madrid was eager to sign him, but Panathinaikos acted swiftly. Spanish outlet “As” noted that Osman would bolster Panathinaikos’ quest for EuroLeague glory, responding to Olympiacos’ signing of Evan Fournier.
Cedi Osman’s Career Highlight: 29 Points Full Highlights (1/25/2019)
The Turkish National Team and His Supportive Spouse
As the captain of the Turkish national team, Osman has delivered standout performances.
He was instrumental in Turkey’s near upset of the USA during the 2019 World Cup, where they narrowly lost 93-92 in overtime.
Cedi Osman, Panathinaikos’ “Jedi”: The Bond with LeBron James, the Free Throw Challenge, and the… Defeat of His Former Team, Efes
In that match, Turkey led until late in the game, but Osman missed two critical free throws which resulted in a narrow loss.
Similar circumstances arose during Eurobasket 2022, where Osman missed vital free throws in a critical match against France.
His wife, Ebru Şahin, defended him publicly against criticism, showcasing their supportive relationship.
The couple met in 2020, wed in 2021, and have enjoyed a beautiful life together that includes exotic honeymoons in places like Greece and the Seychelles.
One unique detail from their wedding was the luxurious car; Osman arranged for a million-dollar Lamborghini to transport the bride to their celebration!
The pair have been inseparable since, with Osman’s happiness reflected in his performance on the court.
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