Prospect Watch: Collin Sexton's speed gives him elite potential on both ends
One of the most difficult players to project in what is expected to be an incredibly deep draft is Alabama point guard Collin Sexton, who gives scouts as many definitive answers about his game as he does questions with the season nearing its end.
Sexton would enter almost any other draft as a top-five pick due to his lightning speed alone, but with the influx of high-ceiling big men, the inconsistencies in his game have slightly restricted his potential. However, as he draws comparisons to players such as Eric Bledsoe and De'Aaron Fox, it's hard to imagine the star guard falls too far.
Prior to the beginning of the season, it was an almost unanimous belief that Sexton would finish the year as the best point guard entering the NBA draft. But the emergence of Trae Young has led many to forget how good Sexton can really be.
Strengths
Elite speed
Simply put, Sexton is a blue-collar basketball player who suits the style of his head coach, and NBA champion, Avery Johnson. His aggression and unearthly speed will make him worthy of a starting point guard role when he gets to the NBA.
The 6-foot-3 guard displays such speed in transition that spectators may often perceive the defense is attacking him uphill. Sexton can blow past anyone, and his quickness and elite reflexes allow him to draw fouls at a high rate.
Sexton starting the break
Sexton finishing the same break past opposing defenders
When under control and avoiding erratic play, which does tend to plague him at times, his first step will help him beat defenders and get to the rim. Currently, 37.6 percent of Sexton's shots are at the rim and he's finishing at a 62.7 percent clip from that range - solid, considering he's playing in a congested offense with minimal spacing.
His overall athleticism will be a joy to watch in the faster-paced game when he moves to the NBA. If Bledsoe is his ideal comparison, it's certainly not a bad spot for the 19-year-old to be in when he enters the league.
Defensive ceiling
Athleticism is the base of Sexton's powers. It's what makes his defensive ceiling arguably the second highest in the draft - likely only behind Mohamed Bamba. His matchup against Young in January gave a sample of what he's capable of when players are left on an island against Sexton and his 6-foot-6 wingspan.
Against Young, Sexton was able to hold the star freshman to 17 points on just 6-of-17 shooting and two free-throw attempts. Prior to their game, Young had scored 20-plus points in 18 consecutive contests and his two free throws were his fewest in any game this season (Young takes an absurd 9.1 free throws per game, making the containment that much more impressive).
Sexton relies a lot on his aggression and athleticism, but he over-compensates at times and becomes prone to getting beat off the dribble. This, however, does not eliminate what he's capable on that end. His high motor is a scout's dream, and if he learns to control the tempo on both ends, Sexton could be the steal of the draft.
Weakness
Perimeter shooting
Though his freshman campaign has been a solid one, he's suffered from times of inconsistency that begin with his inability to hit shots at a high level.
Sexton isn't necessarily a bad shooter. His mechanics, however, lack the structural consistency scouts will hope changes at the professional level. He started the season well, hitting 47.1 percent on 3.8 attempted 3-pointers per game through his first 9 contests. But his last 15 games have been a different story, as he's shooting an abysmal 24.6 percent on 4.1 attempts per game.
The recent shooting struggles are closer to where Sexton is in terms of jump shooting. He's more bad than good, more streaky than consistent. And until he figures out his shot, he'll need to lean on his ability to drive.
His value would take a nosedive if he's never able to develop a consistent jump shot, but he's shown he has the tools to eventually become a reasonable threat from distance. He's hitting 77.5 percent from the free-throw line and the more well-spaced game in the NBA will only work in his favor when he gets there.
(Images courtesy: YouTube)