Collin Sexton is undoubtedly a starting-caliber player. However, that doesn't necessarily mean he should start for the Charlotte Hornets. But then again, maybe he ought to be out there on the floor at opening tip-off. In some ways, he may actually be the logical choice as the Hornets' starting shooting guard.
When the team acquired Sexton in a surprisingly genius trade with the Utah Jazz, perhaps the idea was to bring him off the bench to give the second unit a needed offensive boost. Moreover, it makes sense for Charlotte to contemplate having Kon Knueppel, the No. 4 pick of this year's draft, flank LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller to start contests.
Of course, there's also the possibility of incumbent starting swingman Josh Green retaining his role even if he couldn't prove in the 2024-25 campaign that he deserves it. He didn't make enough of an impact on either end of the floor, despite being marketed as a 3-and-D player. Knueppel can probably do what Green does while bringing more value through his potential all-around game.
Still, as things stand, Sexton should get the nod.
Hornets are expected to benefit from Collin Sexton starting
One of the challenges the Hornets had to deal with last season was getting off to slow starts. It had become common to watch them face massive deficits in the first quarter, then play catch-up the rest of the way. Fielding a revolving door of different starting lineups had a hand in that trend, as injuries kept coming for Charlotte. Even so, there was often a lack of urgency from the starters, and Sexton should help solve that riddle.
The combo guard has proven to be an offensive dynamo who brings his A-game on nearly every, if not every, possession. He has also recently alleviated the concerns about whether he can coexist with a ball-dominant playmaker like Ball, sharing that he and his new backcourt parnter have already established a rapport and are talking about how they can help one another on the court.
Defense might be an issue because Sexton is a bit undersized. However, the intensity and physicality he brings can make up for the lack of height and skills. Hopefully, it would rub off on the teammates he shares the floor with.
Slotting "Young Bull" with the starters would also allow Knueppel to thrive as an offensive initiator with the reserves. As Hornets fans already know by now, the rookie is more than just a sharpshooter. He has also exhibited the ability to attack the basket and create plays for others. Playing alongside Tre Mann and Spencer Dinwiddie in some second-unit lineups should provide him with enough opportunities to showcase his offensive prowess.
It remains to be seen who ends up in the starting lineup on opening night. Coach Charles Lee can even settle on some wild-card options, such as Liam McNeeley or Sion James, if they progress more quickly than anticipated. Whatever the case turns out to be, many among the Hornets faithful are just excited about the fact that the squad finally has enough quality depth at the wing positions.