Ranking the 3 most instrumental bench players for the Spurs this season

The arrival of Victor Wembanyama this summer thrilled San Antonio Spurs fans across the globe. While his presence alone will help his teammates improve their game on both ends of the court, Head Coach Gregg Popovich must lean on his other players to get the most out of this season. The starters are set in stone, so who can this ball club turn to for energy, scoring, and playmaking off the bench?

3.) Cedi Osman

After six seasons with the Cavaliers, Osman joined San Antonio via a three-team trade this offseason. The veteran forward only started five games over the last two years, and he understands how to make an impact off the bench. He has also expressed a willingness to continue contributing whatever the Spurs need from him as a substitute, and Osman adds depth to a young team that hopes to return to the playoffs soon.

Few fans showed interest in this offseason acquisition. However, Osman has turned heads and changed that perception with four rock-solid exhibition performances. He has averaged 9.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game on 44% shooting from the field this preseason. The Turkish sharpshooter already looks like a valuable asset for the second unit, and he might even stick with the Spurs past the trade deadline.

Though Osman was an afterthought for San Antonio at the start of the offseason, he has gradually carved out a role. The 28-year-old has also impressed Coach Pop, earning much-deserved praise for his abilities on both sides of the hardwood. Julian Champagnie and Doug McDermott might have been ahead of him on the depth chart a few weeks ago, but Osman has seized backup duties with his two-way utility.