:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57453255/859102784.0.jpg)
It looks like Cedi Osman and Ante Zizic are getting their shot.
Per The Athletic’s Jason Lloyd, Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said both rookies will play tonight when the Cavs face the Wizards. Lue, who worked with both players alongside two assistant coaches this morning, said that injuries to Iman Shumpert and Tristan Thompson opened up space for both players:
Ty Lue confirms Cedi, Zizic will see time tonight. Cited injuries to Shumpert, Tristan as giving them an opportunity.
— Jason Lloyd (@JasonLloydNBA) November 3, 2017
Thompson will miss the next month with an ankle injury, while Shumpert is currently dealing with knee soreness.
It’s refreshing to see the Cavs, who normally rely heavily on older players, to turn to their young players in a moment of need. Neither have played meaningful minutes this season, but both could help.
Up front, Zizic can fill minutes at center, where the Cavs only have Kevin Love and Channing Frye with Thompson out. LeBron James could slide their in a pinch, but that’s something the Cavs probably don’t want to do a lot of in the regular season. As for Osman, his effort level and length should be welcome addition on the wing, where no one is currently trying on defense.
It’s unclear if this is a one-off need, or if this could be an audition for both players to earn a spot in the rotation. But at least the Cavs are trying something different.