Factory Of Sadness
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Cavs: Ranking Cleveland’s young core by potential

By Justin Taguibao

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts with Collin Sexton #2 late in the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 2, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts with Collin Sexton #2 late in the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 2, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 16: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket Kyrie Irving #11 and Bruce Brown #1 of the Brooklyn Nets defend during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 16, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 16: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket Kyrie Irving #11 and Bruce Brown #1 of the Brooklyn Nets defend during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 16, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Collin Sexton

In only his third season in the league, Collin Sexton quickly emerged as the new face of the franchise for the rebuilding Cleveland Cavaliers and has established himself as the team’s de facto star in the post-LeBron James era.

Yet he often finds himself in trade chatter in the past couple of months. Odd isn’t it? But not really.

As good a player the 22-year-old has become, he still comes with a lot of limitations, especially on the defensive end of the floor. He is also entering the final year of his rookie contract and will become a restricted free agent next year, making him an ideal trade asset while also a potential dilemma for the Cavs front office.

The 6-foot-1 Sexton is considered an undersized shooting guard and forces his teammates to cover for his deficiencies on defense. He did show some steady improvements and it is not for the lack of effort, either. However, the former Alabama Crimson Tide star has to heighten his off-ball awareness as well.

Critics will also point out his tendency to dominate the ball on offense, and he does indeed display tunnel vision at times, but it is worth noting that his assist numbers have seen a sizable improvement from three up to 4.4 dimes a game last season–signifying his effort to get more teammates involved.

In his third season, ‘Young Bull’ has seen a steady uptick with his scoring, averaging a career-best 24.3 per game which is nearly eight points higher than his rookie year numbers. Earlier this year, he turned many heads after erupting for a career-high 42 points in an unlikely double OT win over the heavily favored Brooklyn Nets.

ESPN’s NBArank placed him 59th out of 100 players this year, while Bleacher Report had him 25th among players under the age of 25.

Some observers believe Collin Sexton is nearing his proverbial ceiling if he hasn’t already reached it. But we have few reasons to doubt he will keep enhancing his game for the fourth-straight season as he continues to mature.

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