Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 players poised for breakout years in 2018-2019

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TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 12: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Collin Sexton

You wouldn’t have guessed it from the #YoungBullChallenge and the way everyone talks about him now but Collin Sexton, the eighth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, wasn’t a heavily celebrated player when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him with their first-round pick.

Analysts frowned on his three-point shooting stroke, wishing for the next Stephen Curry rather than praising the talents that Sexton already showed as player.

Sexton’s pick-and-roll prowess, slashing, finishing under-the-rim and transition play were all NBA-ready skills he possessed that he could bring to an elite level. With a high-motor and track speed, Sexton’s abilities would only be enhanced; there aren’t many players that will be able to keep up with him all game.

He could very well be one of the players that does better in the pros than in college, particularly with the increased floor-spacing he’s bound to find in the NBA with an extended three-point line and the prevalence of spot-up shooters.

That floor spacing will also help him as a facilitator, another area he’ll surprise.

Unlike a Kyrie Irving, Sexton routinely keeps his teammates involved. Furthermore, while his court vision could still improve — especially in making skip passes and hockey assists — every time you watch him play he improves with experience.

He’ll change his speeds, read defenders and predetermine passes with veteran savvy.

The last aspect of Sexton’s game that will help make him a breakout star is his on-court intensity.

Fans love a fiery competitor with a gladiator mentality so they’ll love Sexton and give him national attention. Intensity also can elevate players’ on-the-court, giving them the extra edge they need to dig deep and leave everything on the court.

Add that type of intangible quality to a player with Sexton’s skillset and it’s easy to see why a comparison to Russell Westbrook would be made.

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*All stats gathered from www.basketball-reference.com