Collin Sexton will bring competitive fire to Cleveland | Opinion

Whatever LeBron James does, Collin Sexton will help the Cavaliers.

General Manager Koby Altman made the Alabama freshman the No. 8 selection in the 2018 NBA Draft. More importantly, Altman added a piece who can help James upon a potential return or become a cornerstone as the Cavaliers embark upon a rebuild in James’ absence.

Either way, Sexton is going to compete.

The 19-year-old point guard nicknamed “Young Bull” is most well-known for his feats in a November loss to Minnesota. Sexton finished with 40 points and played the final 10 minutes 3-on-5 before Alabama lost, 89-84.

Sexton averaged 19.2 points and 3.6 assists per game for Coach Avery Johnson, a former NBA player and championship-winning coach. Behind Sexton, Crimson won a NCAA Tournament game for the first time in 12 years. That victory ended on Sexton’s game-winning layup after a fullcourt drive.

Johnson called Sexton the fastest player he’s ever seen — with or without the ball.

Sexton’s speed and agility make him an elite driver and a quality defender. He’ll succeed in transition at both ends of the floor. Off the dribble, Sexton will be difficult for defenders to stay in front of, and he’s more than willing to absorb contact from bigs on his way to the basket.

Sexton, like every teenager entering the NBA, undoubtedly has weaknesses. He shot 33.6 percent from 3-point range at Alabama, and his shot requires improvement. A reliable perimeter jumper will be paramount to the development of Sexton’s offensive game — and would elevate him from a starting-caliber guard to an All-Star.

The bottom line for prospects drafted by teams who hope to contend is consideration of how a player fits in a series against the Warriors.

Sexton’s physical tools and high level of activity could give the Cavaliers much-needed athleticism to chase Steph Curry and Klay Thompson around the perimeter. Offensively, Sexton must become a better shooter, but his ability to penetrate and break down a defense would help ease James’ playmaking burdens.

Need more evidence the newest Cavalier is ready to compete? He names Kobe Bryant as his favorite NBA player.

A week remains for the Cavaliers to convince James to opt into the final season of his contract. More must be done to make the Cavaliers’ roster attractive enough for James to return, but Sexton could help. He’s not Kyrie Irving, but Sexton is quick, young and ready to win.

ESPN’s Maria Taylor asked Sexton for his pitch to the world’s best player.

James said after Game 4 of the NBA Finals he wants to remain in championship mode wherever he goes. Sexton appealed to that desire.

“Man, LeBron, let’s do it,” Sexton said on national television. “Let’s go back to the Finals.”

Barnes can be reached at nbarnes@news-herald.com; on Twitter: @NateBarnes