The Cavs should play Collin Sexton and Dante Exum together more often

Cleveland Cavaliers guards Dante Exum (left) and Collin Sexton celebrate during a game versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers guards Dante Exum (left) and Collin Sexton celebrate during a game versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dante Exum defends on the ball. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Exum could pick up some of the defensive slack with Sexton on the floor for the Cleveland Cavaliers

The first reason why is because of Exum’s ability to pick up some of the defensive slack that comes with Sexton on the floor. It is no secret that Collin Sexton has not been elite when it has comes to his defensive ability.

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He simply seems over-matched in most of his defensive matchups, and it doesn’t help that since switching to the shooting guard position he has had to play bigger, faster, stronger guards.

With Sexton’s defensive struggles, playing him more minutes with Dante Exum would seem to make sense. Since being drafted in 2014 by Utah, Exum has always been a solid on-ball defender.

Even through struggles of injuries and inconsistencies, Exum was always able to contribute defensively when on the court. His length, quickness, and defensive skill could help make up for the lack there of when considering Sexton.

If Sexton could have a solid defender in Exum playing next to him more often, he would be better able to focus on scoring. That is what the Cavaliers should be hoping for, too, in a backcourt that allows Sexton to reach his full scoring potential.

Obviously everyone should hope that Sexton eventually improves defensively, but pairing him in lineups with Exum more frequently next season would at least help lessen some of his defensive burden for the time being, ideally allowing him to continue scoring at a high level.

The second reason why Sexton and Exum should play together more often has to do with the offensive end.