Now that the 2017-18 NBA season is in the books, most teams around the league have shifted their focus to the upcoming Draft, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, who hold the No. 8 pick. Just who the Cavs might select remains to be seen, but it sounds like they’re interested in Collin Sexton.
Sexton is a 19-year-old McDonald’s All-American point guard who previously played for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide under head coach Avery Johnson. The 6-foot-3, 190 pound native of Marietta, Georgia made 33 appearances in his freshman season, racking up averages of 19.2 points on 44.7 percent shooting from the field (33.6 percent from beyond the arc), 3.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and just under one steal (0.8) in 29.9 minutes per game.
“League sources are split on what the Cavaliers will do with the no. 8 pick. Some think they’ll play it conservative and use the selection, rather than risk trading it to appease LeBron, only for him to leave,” Kevin O’Connor writes in his recent article for theringer.com. “If they keep the pick, consider Alabama point guard Collin Sexton a strong possibility. Others think they’ll do everything in their power to build a team that can make LeBron stay or keep them in playoff contention even if LeBron leaves.”
To be frank, Sexton is a gifted player and one that most NBA teams are well-aware of. In fact, he was considered to be one of the best players in the 2017 recruiting class by Scout.com, Rivals.com, and ESPN. He has great court vision, excellent ball-handling skills, and a knack for flashy passes. Hesitations, ball fakes, and the ability to draw fouls with his aggressiveness are just a few of the tools in his proverbial bag.
Whether or not the Cavs will take Sexton with the eighth pick in the Draft (June 21st) is still up for speculation. Until then, have a go at some of his highlights with the Crimson Tide.