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Collin Sexton

When the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Collin Sexton with the eighth pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, it was clear that LeBron James would once again be departing for free agency. Ironically, the point guard made his own attempt to encourage James to stay, immediately after being drafted.

Sexton’s exact words were “let’s go back to the Finals.” Looking back, he was mocked for thinking he could assist what many consider the best player of all time. But in all honesty, James would have welcomed the scoring “bull” Sexton has become on his last Cavaliers squad.

But this is where the point guard’s career began its descent into misinterpretation. The expectations can never be higher for a draft selection than in the wake of their franchise player’s exit in free agency. Realistic or not, fans are expecting an immediate impact to fill that void.

Sexton was given a tough hand of cards to play coming into the NBA. But since, even on a Cavaliers team as poor as they’ve been, he’s managed to develop into quite the scorer. The 21-year-old has managed to average 20.8 points this year in 65 games.

The largest criticism against Sexton is that he’s out of position. And now that Cleveland drafted a more true point guard in Darius Garland, there will be a changing of the guard at point. Sexton will be asked to pass less, and continue doing that which he’s best at: scoring the ball.