While the Cleveland Cavaliers have gotten off to a somewhat surprising 7-4 start to the season, one of their key contributors will be out for an extended period.
During Sunday’s 126-109 win in the Big Apple over the New York Knicks, Collin Sexton went down with a knee injury later diagnosed as a meniscus tear in his left knee that will keep him out for an extended period.
Sexton is currently the Cavaliers leading scorer with 16 points per game, significantly down from his 24.3 points per game last season. However, the Cavaliers have had six players currently averaging double-figure points per game.
So while the Sexton loss is a key loss for the Cavaliers, it is a loss they should be able to overcome if other players step up in his absence.
Along those lines, three Cavs players, in particular, need to step up in Sexton’s absence.
The first of those guys is a veteran guard who recently flashed some impressive scoring potential.
3 Cavs that need to step up sans Sexton- #1: Ricky Rubio
Yes, I am aware Ricky Rubio did not magically turn into Stephen Curry, and expecting him to score 30+ points a night is not realistic. However, Rubio is flashing some scoring ability in this early part of the season with the Cavaliers.
In seven of 11 games this season, Rubio has reached double digits in the scoring column, and his continuing to score in double digits will be crucial with Sexton not out there.
Rubio should make the most significant impact, though, by his ability to make smart passes and find the open man. So far this season, Rubio has hit eight assists in six games has even dished out ten assists in a trio of games.
A backcourt of Rubio and Darius Garland has a lot of potential because they both can create for themselves and their teammates.
Don’t get it twisted; Garland is the more dynamic player, but Rubio has displayed the ability to set up his teammates and score consistently.
Speaking of Garland…