Complete 2018 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams
Cleveland Cavaliers
- No. 8: Collin Sexton, Alabama
The Cleveland Cavaliers had two options with their No. 8 overall pick: Trade it/use it on a player who could help LeBron James compete with the Golden State Warriors and convince him to re-sign, or use it on a player with unquestioned star potential they could rebuild around for the future.
By taking Collin Sexton, they accomplished…possibly neither one.
That’s not to say Sexton is a horrible pick. He’s got an infectious swagger, attitude and passion for the game that has gotten him compared to Russell Westbrook for good reason. He’s the type of fearless, fiery, intense competitor who can enforce his will on games. That kind of player theoretically makes sense in Cleveland, whether as a sidekick or a successor to LeBron.
The Cavs were ultimately won over by Collin Sexton's competitiveness, character and overall drive. He did not have a knockout individual workout in CLE in terms of skill work or shooting, but the team was enamored by him as a person and what they saw from him in game settings.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 22, 2018
Unfortunately, much like Westbrook, Sexton can’t shoot. He’s not the same kind of freak athlete, he’s an underwhelming facilitator, he sometimes forces the issue and he often plays out of control. Having an indomitable will helps in the NBA, but it can’t be your defining skill.
Sexton is a terrific defender, but if he can’t shoot and he can’t pass, NBA defenses are going to make life hard on him — especially if King James leaves. Even if he stays, a ball-dominant point guard won’t be a very good fit.
The Cavs’ No. 8 pick came from the Boston Celtics (via the Brooklyn Nets) from the Kyrie Irving trade, which crippled them in their fourth straight bout against the Warriors. Their original pick (No. 25) was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers in the deal that brought Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to The Land. All in all, noooot the best outcome for the Cavs with their picks.
Grade: C