3 ways Matthew Dellavedova can improve Collin Sexton’s game for Cavs

#1: Sexton considerably improving his passing feel

Sexton is probably not going to be known for being a pass-first player in his career, and that’s totally fine for a modern-day point guard. In fact, most top-tier point men are not that way (think Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, etc). Dellavedova is a good second unit fit with Sexton, though, because he’s more of a traditional primary ball-handler that positively impacts the game more getting his teammates involved first.

Throughout his career, Dellavedova has been a good decision-maker in the pick-and-roll, whether it comes to finding players such as Tristan Thompson for rolling lobs, or finding shooters in the corners. That’s something Sexton, a just-turned 20-year-old in a tough rebuilding situation, will need to continue to make positive strides at.

Dellavedova touched on how the Cavs’ young point guard’s passing improving is how he’ll really get to that level of growth. Here’s what Delly said, per Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor (h/t Cavaliers Nation’s Brad Sullivan).

"“That’s probably the next step,” Dellavedova told cleveland.com. “I think just finding ways to get other guys involved. Whether that’s through a play call or something like that or say if we score on a play then him recognizing to run the same play again or you know, hit the next option. Just trying to get him to I guess manipulate the game a little bit.”"

In the halfcourt where possessions can get bogged down with limited driving lanes and tight spacing, Sexton has had a tougher time getting the ball to cutters and catch-and-shoot threats on time.

There’s been a considerably high number of cases of overdribbling, but it’s understandable with not having a truckload of other playmakers around him and three-point knockdown specialists. Dellavedova has played a lot of ball in his day, though, and with his ability to get a number of different offensive skill sets the ball in their sweet spots on time in the halfcourt, that can definitely rub off on Sexton in due time.

He feels that he’s gotten better at that sort of thing, particularly now with Delly around, per Fedor.

"“I feel like I’ve improved tremendously, especially with my passing,” Sexton said. “I’ve been making right reads and seeing them actually. That just comes from watching film. Delly, we watch film together and he’s been helping me a whole lot with that.”"

Where Sexton has been at his best as a passer, like Cedi Osman, has been when the pace is ramped up. The rookie is very fast with the ball in his hands, and that speed is an asset that Delly can use to help Sexton even more in film sessions.

This was a nice example of Sexton getting a hustling Thompson the rock in full stride, resulting in an easy dunk, which is always a positive for an offense that consistently struggles against settled defenses.

https://twitter.com/cavs/status/1080618396268412928

The assist numbers for Sexton will take time to really increase, but four assists in the opening quarter in Cleveland’s last game against the Miami Heat are something he and Dellavedova (the mentor 2.0) can build on.

The second way Delly can tangibly help the “Young Bull” is getting better defensively.