The Cleveland Cavaliers might have both Trae Young and Collin Sexton on the board when they draft. That said, who should they pick?
In just a few short months, the Cleveland Cavaliers will have to decide who they trust to be their stronghold following the LeBron James-era, an era that could end in the next few seasons.
For Cleveland, all the talk has been between Collin Sexton and Trae Young; however, if players like Bagley, Porter Jr., or Doncic are out there, they’ll likely be the first choice.
Let’s assume they aren’t. Let’s assume it’s pick No. 7 and it’s down to just Sexton or Young.
For these two point guards, their run in the NCAA Tournament is over, and it’s time to prepare for the 2018 NBA Draft. Sexton’s Alabama beat nine-seed Virginia Tech and then lost to the top-seeded Villanova while Young’s lost in their first round to seven-seeded University of Rhode Island.
As for their NBA potential, it’s a difficult task differentiating between the two. Sexton, who is 6-foot-3, is a bigger guard than Young, who stands just 6-foot-2. Additionally, Sexton weighs ten more pounds than Young, which would be useful against bigger NBA guards. While Sexton is the stronger and more physical guard, Young is a much more dynamic offensive player.
Young averaged 27.4 points per game, one of just 27 players in the last 25 years to average that many points. Young also tacted on 8.7 assists per game and 3.9 rebounds per game, making him the only collegiate player to ever put up such numbers.
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Sexton, who played in the SEC, also put stellar numbers against some of the nation’s best teams. He averaged 19.2 points per game and 1.4 triples per game. His range is limited, unlike Young’s, but his physicality in the modern-day NBA should give him a nice boost in the upcoming draft.
Fun fact, Young averaged more shots per game, 19.3, than Sexton did points per game, 19.2. That’s not ok. Young was not efficient this season, shooting less than 43% from the field. However, he was an offensive workhorse for Oklahoma, one reason he scored in such volumes. Young’s collegiate inefficiency would likely translate to the NBA, at least for his first couple seasons.
NBAdraft.net, one of the most respected draft analysis sites, has Sexton ranked No. 9 and Young No. 8. As for Sexton, here’s an excerpt of what nbadraft.net wrote on the weaknesses of Sexton’s game.
"He needs to add a bit more finesse to this department in his game, as he will not be able to rely on sheer athleticism once he reaches the NBA."
As for Young, his ceiling is much higher, but his floor is much lower. He could be developed into one of the best shooting guards in the NBA, but he’s a far way from that level.
Do the Cavs have what it takes to develop him? The Cavs most certainly have the atmosphere to allow him to thrive. Young needs a low-pressure atmosphere and might cripple under the criticize he could find if drafted by a team like the Knicks.
Who should Cleveland take?
The Cleveland Cavaliers would take Trae Young. For starters, LeBron James is a big fan of Young. He’s has tweeted out support on multiple occasions, and just like in Miami with Shabazz Napier, the organization usually follows their superstar’s conscience. Along with his pending free agency during that time period, Cleveland would do anything to please the King.
However, Sexton could be the better pro. He has a better frame and should be able to develop a competent jumper, making him a dynamic offensive threat.
In the end, it’ll be whether the Cavaliers are willing to take a risk on Young or if they want a player that should be able to come in and make an immediate impact. Personally, with James having just a few more productive years left, assuming he stops putting up MVP-like numbers after 35, Sexton’s NBA-ready body should be able to come in and immediately help.
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Neither is the perfect fit, but if a player like Bagley isn’t available, the Cavs should go with the one that will create an immediate impact.