With rumors regarding Kemba Walker‘s future swirling, could Collin Sexton be the Charlotte Hornets’ point guard of the future?
The Charlotte Hornets once again find themselves picking at 11, though there is no shortage of talent in this draft class. With no indication of what trade(s) will go down, the Hornets have clear needs at all positions. With this in mind, it makes sense that the team will likely select the best player available.
Team fit might not be at the top of the list in the scouting process, Charlotte’s front-office will need to address the point guard position in some form or fashion this offseason. Though Kemba Walker might still find himself a Charlotte Hornet for the 2018-19 season, his contract will be up at season’s end.
The Hornets should look to find a potential replacement for the all-star guard whenever the opportunity arises, and with Collin Sexton likely on the board at pick 11, the time is now.
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Courtesy of the recent NBA Combine, Sexton measured at an underwhelming 6’1.5″ and weighed in at 183 pounds. These measurements are comparable to the likes of Chris Paul, Jameer Nelson, and Rajon Rondo. He also sported a 6’7″ wingspan, one of the better reaches at his position.
Sexton led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a 20-win season and the school’s first NCAA Tournament bid in the last five years. Sexton was entrusted with the keys to Avery Johnson‘s offense, apparent in his 33% usage rating. He flourished in his role as the primary ball-handler and had quite the highlight reel at season’s end.
Just like Kemba Walker in his time at UConn, Sexton wasn’t the best distributor in his one season at Alabama. Finishing with 3.6 assists per game, Sexton was more concerned with putting the ball in the basket; he scored nearly 20 points per game.
The Hornets have lacked a capable scorer at the backup point guard spot since Jeremy Lin‘s departure in 2016. Collin Sexton would be able to learn and progress as an NBA player behind Kemba Walker, or, if a Kemba Walker trade were to occur, Sexton could step in as the new face of the franchise.
Throughout the draft process, Sexton has drawn comparisons to Bucks’ guard, Eric Bledsoe. Their playstyles are certainly similar, but Sexton’s potential could be far greater than Bledsoe’s current projection. An explosive athlete, he possesses the score-first mentality that will serve him well in any NBA situation.
Collin Sexton has the “it-factor” that will drive his already relentless work ethic and will encourage the front-office to explore the possibility of Sexton at the helm of the offense in the near future. He wasn’t heavily recruited out of high-school, yet now he is a near lock for the NBA Draft lottery. No front office can deny his mindset and motivation to continue improving his game.
Next: Charlotte Hornets Draft: Kentucky forward Kevin Knox
There will be no shortage of anticipation among the Hornets’ fan-base leading up the draft. The front-office will have to consider the holes in the current roster and potential implication for the future of the franchise when they’re on the clock on June 21st.