The Cleveland Cavaliers have had one entertaining summer and with a brand-new face of the franchise in rookie Collin Sexton leading the way, they’ll go as far as the Young Bull takes them.
With LeBron James’ departing from his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time this decade, Collin Sexton, the eighth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, will be leading the charge for the Cavs in the post-LeBron era.
However, unlike the former first overall picks in the past, Sexton will have the help he needs to keep the Cavs relevant.
After all, the only thing that matters to Gilbert and the Cavs is to keep winning basketball on the court. While not a bad goal, they do risk losing their 2019 first-round pick along with the opportunity to go through a full rebuild.
With Gilbert’s decision made and the Cavs 17-man roster almost finalized, it’s becoming increasingly likely that Sexton will be one of a few true playmakers on the roster.
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He showcased that elite playmaking ability at the Las Vegas Summer League.
Sexton found a spot on the all-Summer League First Team with Summer League MVP Josh Hart. He played in all seven Cavs summer league games and averaged 19.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 28.7 minutes per game (NBA.com).
After watching all seven games, it was obvious that experience was the best teacher for Sexton and he was getting more comfortable as he was able to get more time under his belt. Averaging almost 20.0 points per game, even against Summer League, is a feat that only a few players accomplish.
That said, Sexton’s scoring will help alleviate the pressure from Kevin Love and Cavs who won’t be relied on for their playmaking like Tristan Thompson, Larry Nance Jr. and JR Smith. Last season, even veteran point guard George Hill struggled to create his own shot, often times limiting their dynamic offense.
For Cleveland, Sexton will be an integral piece of their offense returning to elite status.
A player who loves to push the ball, he showed top-tier straight-line speed and burst and he can easily operate a successful pick-and-roll. Ultimately, if Sexton is given the green light to attack, the team will be far better off.
One of Sexton’s NBA comparisons, Russell Westbrook, averaged 15.3 points, 5.3 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game as a rookie. Those are very obtainable for Sexton this season. However, even with a young Kevin Durant, that Thunder team ended with just 23 wins.
Now an MVP, Westbrook developed due to his unmatched passion, a passion and grit Sexton can rival.
With James’ departure, the Cavs offense has been shattered. They not only lost 27.5 points but also 9.1 assists per game. If you take away that production, the Cavs by far would average the least assists in the league.
That void left by James is impossible to fill entirely. However, Sexton and his offensive production certainly can try to.
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Saying the Cavs will go as far as Sexton does underplay the importance of Kevin Love. But, in the end, it will be Sexton’s job to operate the offense.