Crushing Cedi Osman development a clear indication of new NBA reality

With a month to go before NBA training camps begin, most teams have their rosters solidified for the start of the next season. Unless an unforeseen trade happens—which is unlikely—or a player gets injured, there will be no more guaranteed contract signings, and the guys still sitting in free agency will stay there. That's where Cedi Osman finds himself after completing his one-year deal with the Spurs last season.

The 29-year-old Turkish athlete played well with the opportunities he received, shooting 48% from the field and 39% from three. He only took five shots per game and if he raised the number of threes taken, he could be a valuable asset to several teams. Instead, he's without an NBA contract, and according to recent reports, potentially looking to head overseas to join Real Madrid, highlighting a growing realization in today's league.

The NBA is more talented than it's ever been and they don't have room for everybody

25-year-old Isaac Okoro is still unsigned, along with Davis Bertans, Markelle Fultz and a litany of other players who all would have been on a team 10 years ago. But the league is more talented than ever from top to bottom in this era, putting a higher premium on roster spots. When you combine that with the new CBA rules, designed to prevent teams from overspending, more players are going to be left hanging.

Real Madrid lost Guerschon Yabusele and are looking to replace his production. That's where Osman comes in, as he has become their highest priority target and seems to be strongly considering the move. Don't get it twisted, Osman is nothing more than a role player, but he's one with size at 6'7" and a reliable three-point shot. That used to be enough to guarantee you a lengthy NBA career, but that no longer seems to be the case.