Start, Bench, Cut: Sorting out the small forward pecking order on the Spurs

Cut: Cedi Osman

Cedi Osman has minted a respectable resume as a second-round success story over his first six seasons in the league, developing into a tried-and-true sixth man for a Cavaliers club that has climbed from bottom-dwelling status to Eastern Conference contention. No one would mistake him for an All-Star, but he has sufficient talent to round out the depth chart for most franchises.

The Spurs landed Osman and draft compensation for helping Cleveland facilitate a three-team trade with Miami, and he will contend with Reggie Bullock and Julian Champagnie for a spot in the everyday rotation. While his minutes and role dwindled under J.B. Bickerstaff last year, the 6-foot-7 forward can still provide precise three-point shooting and worthwhile secondary playmaking off the bench.

The 28-year-old has the skill to play on or off the ball, handling pick-and-roll duties, draining spot-up triples, and beating defenders with backdoor cuts. Osman has built a less-than-stellar reputation as a low-activity defender, and that could be the nail in the coffin that stops him from gaining traction with a coaching staff adamant about making massive improvements on that end this season.

Though San Antonio is one month from opening training camp, their front office braintrust should be thinking about potential personnel decisions. The team must trim its roster to 15 standard contracts before the season kicks off, and Osman might be the odd man out for a team loaded with wings. The odds of him making the final cut over high-upside rookies and incumbent veterans seem slim.