Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 reasons for optimism despite poor season

2. Collin Sexton

Similar to Cedi Osman, Collin Sexton has had an up-and-down 2018-19 NBA season. Coming in as a rookie, Sexton has been counted on to lead the offense and be the face of the franchise’s future.

Overall, Sexton is doing a solid job of filling in his role. He is proving to be a crafty scorer and his speed in transition can compete with the best in the league. Sexton is great at pushing the tempo and putting the defense on its heels.

In terms of scoring, Sexton has gradually learned how to pick his spots on the court and only attempt shots he feels comfortable shooting. The mid-range pull-up has been his favorite shot, which might be a bad sign in a league that is prioritizing the 3-pointer more than ever.

Still, he’s finding success on the offensive end. He’s averaging 18.3 points per game in his last 12 appearances and is shooting 40.4 percent from the field. His shooting percentages could improve, but they aren’t bad for an undersized rookie point guard.

The biggest criticism of Sexton is his playmaking ability. He will need to become a better facilitator moving forward, as he is averaging just 2.8 assists per game this season.

When looking at Sexton’s rookie campaign, it is evident that he is motivated to be a reliable player. He has worked relentlessly to get better. Sexton should be bringing hope to every Cavalier fan.