What does Collin Sexton bring to the table?

The pick is (finally) in for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After months of talk and speculation on who the Cleveland Cavaliers would select No. 8 overall, they made their choice last night. While names such as Trae Young an Michael Porter Jr were floated out there, the Wine and Gold ultimately went with Alabama point guard Collin Sexton.

Sexton, who is listed at 6’2″ 183, is a high volume scorer, who can fill it up from all over the floor. Sexton averaged 19.2 points on 49.5 percent shooting from the floor. Arguably his biggest offensive strength though is his ability to turn the corner and get to the rim.

That knack for getting to the hoop also led Sexton to draw a lot of fouls and get to the foul line often. He drew 7.6 fouls per 40 minutes and got to the foul line 10.2 times per 40 minutes. Sexton’s ability to drive the ball is coupled with the fact he is great at absorbing contact and still being able to finish around the rim.

Sexton uses his quickness not only in the half court but also in transition. Even after made baskets Sexton likes to push the ball and is extremely aggressive and explosive in the open court.

Last season, Sexton was in the 80th percentile last season in scoring off the pick and roll. He loves coming off a screen and operating in that mid-range area. While Sexton’s bread and butter is mid-range scoring and driving, you cannot sleep on his three-point game. Though he shot just 33.6 percent from beyond the arc in college, if you leave him open he will make you pay.

However, one area of Sexton’s game that needs some work is his passing ability. Sexton still is learning how to truly play the point guard position and to get his teammates involved. he often threw risky passes in transition rather than making the safe decision.

He is a score-first guard but will have to find a better balance between scoring and getting others involved to succeed in the NBA.

Sexton sometimes can be too eager on the offensive side of the ball. When he gets the ball it sometimes sticks. Sexton’s court vision is not always the best and missed passes on his part led to forced shots. His over-reliance in his jump shot can also get him into trouble.

More from King James Gospel

• 3 possible starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023-24
• The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
• 4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency
• 6 players Cavaliers might replace Jarrett Allen with by the trade deadline
• This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead

While Sexton is good in the pick and roll as a scorer, his vision as a passer out of the pick and roll is less than ideal. He often missed the roller, which again would lead to a forced shot.

One trait of Sexton’s game that will get him on the floor right away is his tenacity on the defensive end. Often picking up his man full court and applying relentless ball pressure, Sexton’s defensive motor is great for someone just coming into the NBA.

His physicality on defense bothered point guards at the college level. In addition, his length is good for defending the point guard position, as he bothers them with his 6’7″ wingspan. Sexton can also hold his own on switches due to his toughness and defensive basketball IQ.

Sexton held lottery pick Trae Young to just 6-17 shooting and takes matchups like this seriously as he feels if he has something to prove.

Overall Sexton’s high motor and competitive fire make him a player you want on your team. His fearlessness with the ball in his hands is a skill , not all players his age possess. His offensive game is already trending in the right direction, with added work in the gym Sexton will improve his overall game.

Rarely you see a player come out of college a polished player. Taking a player is largely based on what they did in college and also what they project to be in the NBA. Sexton compares to a player such as Eric Bledsoe, who is a score first point guard and has developed into a solid NBA starter.

Sexton walks into quite an interesting situation.  He will either will be the key piece on a rebuilding team, or a role player trying to help Cleveland (and LeBron) get back to the NBA Finals.

Sexton is a relentless competitor (a la Russell Westbrook) and flat out loves the game of basketball. This is a guy you want on your team and a player who you hate to face. He is going to battle from the opening tap to the final buzzer.

It is pretty much a guarantee the Cavaliers are going to get everything out of their rookie guard. Like many first-year players, Sexton will be anxious to prove himself. If developed properly, Cleveland may have just found their point guard for the future. Fans should be ecstatic this play-making guard was there to draft when Cleveland was on the clock.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers: Top 30 all-time greatest players

Sexton’s toughness and grit on the court embody the city of Cleveland. Fans of the Wine & Gold will fall in love with the rookie guard from Alabama, just give him some time.