Previewing the Cavs’ core, player by player

Collin Sexton

Collin Sexton is on a mission to prove himself as an up-and-coming point guard in this league.

Feeling disrespected by his exclusion from the 2019 NBA Rising Stars game, Sexton went on a tear to end the season. He went on a run that included him becoming the first rookie since Tim Duncan to score 23 points or more in seven consecutive games. Sexton averaged 23.1 points on 51.4 percent shooting across the final month of the season.

This burst of offensive production proved what so many had thought of Sexton heading into the season. He is a speedy guard with an elite ability to get into the paint. His knack for drawing fouls and finishing around the rim steadily improved as his jump shot excelled what could have been expected of him.

Lack of shooting was one of Sexton’s main criticisms entering the NBA. This narrative was quickly put to sleep as he broke the rookie franchise record for total 3-pointers and connected on 40.2 percent of his attempts.

Sexton will have more of an opportunity to prove himself as a playmaker this season now that he has real weapons around him. The help of Darius Garland and a healthy Kevin Love is going to open things up for Sexton’s dribble-drive game.

At his peak, Sexton can be a borderline 50/40/90 shooter. Though he may take a backseat to Garland later in the season, Sexton will be one of the Cavaliers’ main options offensively.