Seven-year NBA veteran makes leap to EuroLeague

Cedi Osman has spent the last seven years in the NBA, six of them with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the most recent with the San Antonio Spurs. However, the 29-year-old forward has decided to cut his time in the league short, agreeing to join Greek giant Panathinaikos.

Osman is the second NBA player to move to Greece in the past seven days, with Evan Fournier signing with Olympiacos on Sept. 2.

Gregg Popovich used Osman as a core part of his bench rotation last season. The veteran forward averaged 17.6 minutes per game, starting three times while making 72 overall appearances. He averaged 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists for the Spurs while shooting 38.9% from three-point range and 47.9% from the field.

Osman could have found another role in the league for the upcoming season. However, by moving to Greece, he will now have a starring role for his new team, along with a lighter schedule, while also being a little closer to home.

Furthermore, Osman will have the opportunity to compete in the EuroLeague, where he could prove himself to be one of the best talents in Europe. With his decision to swap an NBA bench for a starting spot elsewhere, Osman likely prioritized his playing career instead of basing his decision on finances.

Of course, leaving the NBA doesn't mean his time in the United States is over. Osman is still young enough to potentially head back to the league if he decides he wants one more crack at it. For now, though, Osman will be gearing up for a battle with Fournier and Olympiacos as the two dominant Greek teams make statement additions during their offseason.

Osman has the chance to become a face of European basketball; it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to a new style of play and much larger role. If it works out, this decision could be the best of his career.