Collin Sexton | The Young Bull

[Mr. MacPhisto]

With the reports out that he didn't want to play for the Cavs not sure how you can draft him. Is he really that much better than Sexton? Honestly, in a re-draft Sexton is challenging everyone except for Doncic, Ayton and Young. Not saying he's better than the rest but he's not "clearly" worse.

I think that's exactly why the Cavs steered away. Why draft a guy that doesn't want to be here? I think part of that was thinking the Cavs would just be terrible for years after LeBron left - which was a fair assessment. The team did not handle the rebuild with Kyrie well and screwed up a lot in the draft. They did well in 2011 (and were actually close to adding Klay Thompson to their haul if the Kings didn't back out at the last minute). 2012 and 2013 were serious flubs. No reason why Shai would have wanted to go through that. Maybe if they had extended Love earlier he may have been more interested, but I think most everyone thought Love would be out the door and the path to competing again would be a long one.

I was at the draft in 2018 working and I heard about the work ethic Sexton was showing even there when all the other guys went out for a night on the town Wednesday night - it was the buzz with several teams and some NBA people. Sexton showed a positive attitude and felt he could contribute to a winning culture anywhere he went through hard work and determination.

For a rebuilding team, Sexton's work ethic had to be hugely appealing. For a team like the Cavs that had cruised quite a bit during the 2nd LeBron era, this would be especially appealing.

Maybe Shai is the one guy in their slot they could have thought about taking over Sexton but would he have seen the same growth in Cleveland? I think he was a good fit for where he went. I can't think of anyone past Shai that I would have wanted to take. Sure I'd prefer Doncic, but who wouldn't? I wanted to win the lotto just to get him, but I think the Cavs did well with where they picked. Time will tell us more, but I have been fairly happy with what Altman had done with his two drafts. We'll see how they pan out, but I think we've had two solid drafts for the first time in forever - since maybe 86-87.

 

[CavsFaninNJ]

I think we've had two solid drafts for the first time in forever - since maybe 86-87.

Agreed. Part of why Koby got an extension, I'm sure.

 

[Nathan S]

Also worth considering that Shai is in a near-ideal situation at the moment. Not obvious to me that he'd be putting up the same numbers for the Cavs.

 

[inliner311]

I think that's exactly why the Cavs steered away. Why draft a guy that doesn't want to be here? I think part of that was thinking the Cavs would just be terrible for years after LeBron left - which was a fair assessment. The team did not handle the rebuild with Kyrie well and screwed up a lot in the draft. They did well in 2011 (and were actually close to adding Klay Thompson to their haul if the Kings didn't back out at the last minute). 2012 and 2013 were serious flubs. No reason why Shai would have wanted to go through that. Maybe if they had extended Love earlier he may have been more interested, but I think most everyone thought Love would be out the door and the path to competing again would be a long one.

I was at the draft in 2018 working and I heard about the work ethic Sexton was showing even there when all the other guys went out for a night on the town Wednesday night - it was the buzz with several teams and some NBA people. Sexton showed a positive attitude and felt he could contribute to a winning culture anywhere he went through hard work and determination.

For a rebuilding team, Sexton's work ethic had to be hugely appealing. For a team like the Cavs that had cruised quite a bit during the 2nd LeBron era, this would be especially appealing.

Maybe Shai is the one guy in their slot they could have thought about taking over Sexton but would he have seen the same growth in Cleveland? I think he was a good fit for where he went. I can't think of anyone past Shai that I would have wanted to take. Sure I'd prefer Doncic, but who wouldn't? I wanted to win the lotto just to get him, but I think the Cavs did well with where they picked. Time will tell us more, but I have been fairly happy with what Altman had done with his two drafts. We'll see how they pan out, but I think we've had two solid drafts for the first time in forever - since maybe 86-87.

Also after Dion and Anthony Bennett, I have to feel the organization puts alot of stock on getting to know the person they are drafting before they do so. They didn't work out Dion and I think he even said he never talked to the team before the draft. They couldn't work out Bennett because of his shoulder injury and they clearly didn't know his personality because he folded under the pressure of being the #1 pick.

 

[LeeBuckeye]

I wish we could pin this somewhere and let the SGA talk die.

All I know is that I bet Knicks fans wish they had Sexton after last night.

 

[DirtyDan]

I don't really get the comparisons to Clarkson. Clarkson is an average three point shooter at best, while Collin is shooting 42% behind the arc right now. Sexton picks his spots and takes much more efficient shots than Clarkson. Sexton is also a terror in transition and his speed is elite. Giving the ball to Sexton in transition is consistently a positive play.

Clarkson is a career journeyman, that's only a above average scorer. And he derails the offense to get his numbers

 

[inliner311]

I don't really get the comparisons to Clarkson. Clarkson is an average three point shooter at best, while Collin is shooting 42% behind the arc right now. Sexton picks his spots and takes much more efficient shots than Clarkson. Sexton is also a terror in transition and his speed is elite. Giving the ball to Sexton in transition is consistently a positive play.

Clarkson is a career journeyman, that's only a above average scorer. And he derails the offense to get his numbers

I think all the stuff you said about Sexton just makes him a more consistent scorer. You can count on Sexton to score night in night out, where you can't count on Clarkson. Also because Sexton is taking more high percentage shots, when he gets hot he usually stay hot. While Clarkson might get hot, he can go ice cold because his shot selection is wildly inconsistent.

 

[KilgoreTrout]

People harp on SGA way too much. I get it. I like him, too. But if the only person we regret not choosing over Sexton is a player who made it clear he specifically did NOT want to come to Cleveland? Then we probably made a nice selection at #8 that draft.

I don't like the idea of players saying where they want to play. SGA is not John Elway, and Horseface was a turd, anyway, for dissing the Colts. You get picked by the Cavs, you PLAY for the Cavs. Jerry Lucas didn't say, "Screw it - I'm not playing for the Royals." Neither did The Big O. AC didn't refuse to join the Cavs. Neither did Brad Daugherty. Neither did Anthony Bennett. Neither did LeBaron Jones, when he got picked in 2003. Who is SGA? Is he too good for NE Ohio? He ain't shiiiiit.

 

[rabman_gold]

I don't like the idea of players saying where they want to play. SGA is not John Elway, and Horseface was a turd, anyway, for dissing the Colts. You get picked by the Cavs, you PLAY for the Cavs. Jerry Lucas didn't say, "Screw it - I'm not playing for the Royals." Neither did The Big O. AC didn't refuse to join the Cavs. Neither did Brad Daugherty. Neither did Anthony Bennett. Neither did LeBaron Jones, when he got picked in 2003. Who is SGA? Is he too good for NE Ohio? He ain't shiiiiit.

Jerry Lucas did play in his home state, as did Oscar (at least from his college days), but I get the point. On the other hand, guys like Danny Ferry forced their way out but holding out for the entire year in order to be traded. I don't think it's fair to do that, but it does happen from time to time. We deal with it. Didn't stop us from winning a ring despite losing LeBron (twice). Neither did it stop the Bucks despite losing Lew Alcindor. Nor the Raptors despite losing Leonard...

In relation to the topic, I am very impressed with Sexton's progress. He's showing us he will have the drive necessary to not only reach his ceiling, but could nearly break it. Defense is a crazy point of emphasis so far. Yet despite his awful showing last year on that end (and not being fond of the physicality on that end), he is willing to change that. He's not a good facilitator, but showing us all that we isn't a ball hog (like when he had the chance to break his career high last night but chose to do the alley oop to Thompson. His stats are showing a good amount of improvement.

I wonder what we'll see from him as the season progresses...

 

[Mr. MacPhisto]

Agreed. Part of why Koby got an extension, I'm sure.

I also think Koby may have found two more rotational guys, maybe even a third, that could help the depth long term. Time will tell. I am very interested in seeing Windler when he is healthy. I also think Wade will end up getting his contract converted by the trade deadline. At that point I would guess Bolden will get a two-way deal and I think he could develop into a decent backup C filling the role similar to what Tristan is doing now, just coming off the bench.

Reality is the Cavs' starters have done well this year. If they can grow the bench then this team can compete. Part of that will be Porter growing as a player - and he can. Windler is another who I think can help off the bench. They do need a center off the bench.

But Kobe has found some potential. He also hired a good coach. Gilbert was involved, but I think Altman saw Beilein's ability. Thus far that move is paying dividends as is Dan's willingness to pay for a top flight assistant in Bickerstaff. The coaching staff as a whole has been terrific. The players are buying in and I think they creating an environment where talent can grow and flourish.

 

[Mr. MacPhisto]

I think all the stuff you said about Sexton just makes him a more consistent scorer. You can count on Sexton to score night in night out, where you can't count on Clarkson. Also because Sexton is taking more high percentage shots, when he gets hot he usually stay hot. While Clarkson might get hot, he can go ice cold because his shot selection is wildly inconsistent.

And Sexton is clearly much more willing to commit to getting better on defense. I don't expect that Sexton will ever be an all-NBA defender, but he doesn't need to be. If he has really good offensive output, he only needs to be an average defender to be a net positive. If he can be slightly above average he could have a +10 NET rating.

 

[J_J]

I have been a huge fan of Sexton - very competitive, high motor, and is always looking to improve his game. Very fiery, aggressive to the hoop, and is not afraid of big men. He will challenge you and he has good handles. His outside shot does need improvement but his motor and attitude can change that in his career. In high school he was not that great shooter from outside as a freshman and worked his game every single day.

I think people will change their opinion on him assuming he is still here.

This is what I wrote on draft day last year. Very happy for Sexton to always look to improve his game and not jus his shooting but defense as well. Such great attitude and so contagious. Sexton even said his goal is to shoot 90% from FT. I wish more kids have the heart and desire to be like Sexton. Looking forward how he develops this year and throughout his career.

 

[blommen]

I chuckle at people on various sites doing a re-draft already for last year and in so many Sexton isn't even top 10. Below are several posts that don't even mention Sexton in their top 10-12. Has there ever been a young player more disrespected than Sexton? As a 19 year old he scored 17 pts per game (which was 3rd in his class) and shot 40% from 3 but didn't even play in the rising stars game. C'mon man!

1/2 - Doncic/Trae. Those 2 are obviously #1 and #2 or 2 and #1. This is not about them, dont mention them because it will derail the thread.

After that, you have Ayton, Bagley, JJJ, Carter Jr, SGA, MPJ, Mitchell Robinson, Huertet, Brunson, Shamet, DiVicenzo, Miles and Mikal Bridges and Aaron Holliday as best players.

3) SGA
4)Wendell Carter Jr
5) Ayton
6) Mitchell Robinson
7) JJJ
8) Miles Bridges
9) Bagley
10) DiVicenzo

1. Doncic
2. Young
3. SGA / Ayton
4. Ayton / SGA
5. JJJ
6. Bagley
7. Mikel Bridges
8. Robinson
9. Carter Jr
10. Miles Bridges / Huerter

 

[benchplayer]

I don't like the idea of players saying where they want to play. SGA is not John Elway, and Horseface was a turd, anyway, for dissing the Colts. You get picked by the Cavs, you PLAY for the Cavs. Jerry Lucas didn't say, "Screw it - I'm not playing for the Royals." Neither did The Big O. AC didn't refuse to join the Cavs. Neither did Brad Daugherty. Neither did Anthony Bennett. Neither did LeBaron Jones, when he got picked in 2003. Who is SGA? Is he too good for NE Ohio? He ain't shiiiiit.

Didn't want to play in Cleveland but now he's stuck in Oklahoma lol

 

[Cavatt]

Didn't want to play in Cleveland but now he's stuck in Oklahoma lol

There is some serious irony. He wanted to play in LA so bad, but succumbed to collusion between two stars, so he became a trade chip in a win now move, instead of becoming a hometown hero in Cleveland. We can all learn from this.

I understand why people like Shai, he is a better pg than Collin. Collin just has that spirit where he never gives up and gives it all he has for 40 min. As Sir Dom said, he really does have some of the best stamina in the league. His shot appears not to be affected by dead legs, and he drives fast in the 4th after other guys are fatigued.

He's a competitor, and I just see him getting better and better. Shai is more polished and mature right now, but if Collin becomes unstoppable, he can still be the better player.

Beilein appears to be the best possible coach for him. There were rumors Collin was not happy about his role the first few games. I wonder what he is thinking now as he is basically the 2nd option to Love.

The past 2 games he and Darius have been playing off each other and not just playing with each other. If they can keep that interplay going, I think they can be dynamite.

The biggest issue with backcourt right now defensively isn't Collin guarding 2's, because he has been good and sometimes great. It is Darius needs to get stronger like Collin did.

Philly is going to be interesting tonight because they have trouble with quick guards, but also have a lot of size.