What LeBron leaving the Cavs means for Collin Sexton
By Ronald Evans
As the Cleveland Cavaliers rebuild after LeBron’s departure, Collin Sexton is the natural heir to the team’s leadership role.
The Cleveland Cavaliers need 19-year-old Collin Sexton to assume a leadership role quickly. The exit of LeBron James could be an opportunity or a train wreck for Cleveland. James was not only the player-leader, he was more the coach than Tyronn Lue. Every roster move for the Cavs was made based on LeBron’s opinion, if not directive. Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert and LeBron did not have a good relationship. Despite that, Gilbert gave James veto power over any player move a Cavs GM wanted to make.
The departure of James leaves a leadership void in Cleveland. If Gilbert lets them, Lue and GM Koby Altman should fill some of that void. Even if all three make good, cohesive decisions, an on-court leader will be needed. Collin Sexton should become that leader.
Do the Cavs have the right components for Collin to lead?
Sexton will have to earn the trust and respect of Lue and his teammates. While doing that, he will also need to develop his own game. Everything may run through Collin Sexton for the Cavs but he will need to better his college performance of involving teammates. Collin Sexton certainly has the skills to add that component to his game. More in doubt is whether the Cavs roster has the right players for Collin to engage.
The Cavs must decide how much of a rebuild to do for the 2018-19 season. A complete rebuild might require trading Kevin Love. The Cavs would be better next season keeping Love and moving other players. Moving Tristan Thompson, George Hill and J.R. Smith makes sense but will not be easy. Thompson was overvalued by the Cavs and his contract will make him hard to trade.
Making the playoffs in 2018-19 would be a big win for Collin and the Cavs
Based on current players only, the core of the 2018-19 team will be Collin Sexton, Kevin Love, Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. and Cedi Osman. Kyle Korver and Jeff Green can provide support. Moving Thompson, Hill and Smith and adding three more solid performers might be enough for the Cavs to make the playoffs.
The situation affords a great opportunity for Collin Sexton. We are confident he has the leadership potential to deliver. Whether Gilbert, Lue and Altman can fill their leadership roles adequately is an entirely different matter.
Next: Avery Johnson has plenty of options for new roster
Most Alabama basketball fans are now Cavaliers fans. That was going to be tough for some of us but without the shadow of LeBron, watching Collin Sexton mature is going to be fun.