Cleveland Cavaliers: Collin Sexton’s Rookie of the Year chances
By Ryan Piers
Collin Sexton is playing at a Rookie of the Year level for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Here is what he needs to do to win the coveted award in a crowded field.
Collin Sexton‘s performance against two-time MVP Stephen Curry got lost in the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ 129-105 loss to the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night. While the Dubs pulled away from Cleveland in the fourth quarter, Sexton wrapped up a 21-point performance on a 7-for-14 shooting night. He also sank each of his 3-pointers.
Curry’s performance rightfully dominated the headlines as he dropped 41 points while (*double checks, no that’s not a typo*) making nine-of-14 3-pointers in the win. Still, the Young Bull held his own.
Sexton is in the middle of an impressive campaign, averaging 14.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He’s shooting 42.2 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from beyond the arc. When fellow Central Division guard Malcolm Brogdon won Rookie of the Year in 2017, he averaged 10.2 points, 4.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game.
It seems like the Cleveland Cavaliers did well with their high pick.
Outside of maybe Mohamed Bamba — and even he is solid — all of the top rookies are playing up to expectations. Other youngsters drafted outside the top 10, like Los Angeles Clippers rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, have also been pleasant surprises.
If Sexton wins the Rookie of the Year award, he will need to beat tough competition. Apologies to Jaren Jackson Jr. for just missing the cut, but here is how the Young Bull stacks up to the league’s top three contenders for ROY to this point.