Playing the point guard position at the highest level comes with a great deal of responsibility. Teammates look to them for play calls and proper positioning on the court. Some ballhandlers find this to be a daunting task when they first enter the league, but Cavs rookie Collin Sexton is proving that real progression can be made in a relatively short period of time.
The Cavs selected Sexton with the No. 8 overall pick in last year’s draft. He didn’t start right away, but due to the fact that Cleveland suffered several early injuries, he was given that role just 11 games into this season.
At first, Sexton seemed a bit reckless on the floor. It was clear that he had speed and a smooth stroke from the perimeter. His passing game, however, needed improvement.
Through hard work and on-court experience, Sexton’s game began to blossom. His average number of assists have went up, and he continues to make it rain from the perimeter. In fact, the Young Bull, as he’s known, is currently ranked 3rd in rookie three-point percentage at 39.6 percent.
Cavs fans aren’t the only ones taking notice of Sexton’s development. Several big-named point guards around the league are also watching his progression with an interested eye, including Steph Curry, Damian Lillard and Kyle Lowry.
“I know he’s tough-minded — a competitor in his rookie year trying to gain some confidence,” Warriors All-Star Steph Curry said of Sexton. “The good news is that he gets to play through the ups and downs of that learning curve. That usually works out for young guys.
“At the point guard position, your match-up is tough every night,” Curry added. “It’s something that you can learn by sitting on the bench and watching, or you can learn by being on the court and playing through it. For me, towards the end of my rookie year, that helped to springboard my confidence.”
In 69 appearances with the Cavs (59 starts), Sexton has racked up averages of 15.7 points on 41.4 percent shooting from the field (39.6 percent from beyond the arc), 3.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 30.9 minutes per outing.
The Cavs (17-52 overall) won’t be making the playoffs this season, but if Sexton continues to develop as he has been, there is a good chance the team will be back there in no time.
