Collin Sexton is in the middle of a breakout season for the Cavs, averaging 26.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game on 52.3% shooting to help his team get off to an 8-7 start.
Despite his performance, however, feelings in Cleveland weren’t always warm towards the young stud.
Not long ago, team veterans resented Sexton for signaling the start of a rebuild — and the end of their chance to win a title.
“Some of the veteran players resented Sexton and were upset the front office didn’t trade that pick in the middle of the 2017-18 season for one last shot at a title,” wrote Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com.
It would make sense that the Cavs would have traded that pick (No. 8) to acquire a piece and increase their chance to win a title. Even after LeBron left, shortly following drafting Sexton, it would have made sense for Cleveland to give him up to try and acquire another piece to play alongside Kevin Love and other veterans.
Nevertheless, they stuck to their guns and, for a franchise that isn’t well known for their decision making, they deserve recognition for keeping and trusting in a player who has come up big for them.
It remains to be seen how the Cavs will perform for the rest of the 2021 campaign, but they have found a gem in Sexton, and he could be the key in restoring hope for their future…
