With LeBron James leaving for the bright lights of Hollywood next season, the Cleveland Cavaliers are left with a gaping hole to fill: a playmaker who can create shots for himself and for his teammates. But the Cavs might already have an answer in the name of Alabama product Collin Sexton.
The “Young Bull” has earned his unique nickname through his relentless style of play and superb athleticism on both offense and defense. The ESPN Summer Forecast panelists held predictions for the 2018-19 NBA Rookie of the Year award, and Sexton came in fourth on the list. By garnering 19 votes, he only trailed Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Surprisingly, Trae Young came in last among the eight listed players.
“Sexton will benefit from veteran floor spacers Kevin Love and Kyle Korver, opening up driving lanes, along with George Hill, who can play on or off the ball.”
Sexton displayed flashes of his offensive prowess during the Summer League, as he constantly punished the defense with his ability to drive down the lane and his knack for passing the rock to an open teammate. With Kevin Love the new main focus of Tyronn Lue’s offense, partnering Sexton’s penetration and passing with the shooting big man will create more opportunities for the team’s other players.
Chances are Lue will assign heavy minutes to the Cavs’ young guns like Sexton and forward Cedi Osman to see their potential. Veteran guard George Hill is already in place, but he’s on the decline and shouldn’t take too many minutes away from Sexton.
While Sexton is promising, he’ll first need to find ways to address his inconsistent shooting and unsteady decision-making before making the jump to one of the top point guards in the league.