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Collin Sexton’s best quality may be his character

By Quenton S. Albertie

INDEPENDENCE, OH - JUNE 22: Cleveland Cavaliers draft pick, Collin Sexton, is introduced during a press conference on June 22, 2018 at the Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDEPENDENCE, OH - JUNE 22: Cleveland Cavaliers draft pick, Collin Sexton, is introduced during a press conference on June 22, 2018 at the Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Collin Sexton’s character is as important as his skill.

Following a wave of charitable efforts by members of the Association, Cleveland Cavaliers rookie point guard Collin Sexton took time to give back to his own community.

According to Ben Stinar of Amico Hoops, Sexton hosted a “Back to School” drive where kids received school supplies and fans received autographs and pictures for bringing school supplies to donate. Sexton was joined by fellow Atlanta-native and mainstream recording artist Lil’ Yachty.

Their donations fall on the heels of Atlanta hosting a “Zone 6 Day” party and another mainstream recording artist, 21 Savage, hosting his 3rd Annual “Issa Back 2 School Drive.”

Suffice it to say, Atlanta had quite the weekend as some of their wealthiest but youngest homegrown talent decided to gift the community with their charity.

Sexton’s decision to be a part of the goodwill shows what kind of person the Cavs selected with the eighth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Kind. Thoughtful. Sincere. Mature. Driven.

Sexton’s “Back to School” drive wasn’t the only drive on display that weekend though.

Sexton also took some time to tell Stinar what he expects from himself this season:

"“My role will just be able to come in and learn and have an impact on the team,” he told Amico Hoops. “No matter what it is, being a distributor, being a scorer. Just going out there playing my game and being the best me I can be.”"

A simple, seemingly innocuous response. Until you peel back the layers.

The first piece of the quote to pick apart is the last sentence. His determination to be the best version of himself that he can.

While other players may say that and be alluding to developing their skillset or maximizing their stats, the primary characteristic that Sexton has displayed as a player is his high-motor; he’s relentless when he’s attacking the rim and gives his all on defense.

Sexton “playing his game” is him playing with all-out effort.

That said, the rest of his statement is a credit to his maturity. Rather than making grand sweeping statements and promises, Sexton doesn’t want to overwhelm himself in his rookie season.

“My role will [be to] just be able to come in and learn,” he said.

Sexton, who has made Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul and former head coach and longtime NBA point guard Avery Johnson his NBA study guides, is an intelligent player who absorbs what he’s taught and will apply it in the game as soon as possible.

Over the course of his freshman season at the University of Alabama and even at the Las Vegas Summer League, Sexton has shown that as the game progresses, so does his court vision.

In the Summer League, Sexton took Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue’s advice about changing his speeds on-the-go to catch defenses off-balance. He applied the knowledge and had flashes where he looked like a savvy NBA scorer.

A willingness to learn and the ability to apply new information are going to be two of the most important skills Sexton has in the NBA.

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As of today, Sexton’s potential is increased by his intangibles. With a Russell Westbrook-like motor but an even more patient approach to the game, the Cavs could have a perennial All-Star on their hands.