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Collin Sexton is exactly what the Los Angeles Clippers need

By Cannon Wonderlich

TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 09: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide handles the ball during the first half of the college basketball game against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on December 9, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Titans 12-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 09: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide handles the ball during the first half of the college basketball game against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on December 9, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Titans 12-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Collin Sexton lit the NCAA on fire in his single season at Alabama. Is he what the Los Angeles Clippers need to start the rebuild?

The Clippers are poised to make their first NBA Draft Lottery selection since Al-Farouq Aminu in 2010. This time, however, we are set with not only our own pick, but also Detroit’s first rounder as long as it lands outside the top four. With the high possibility of having two picks in the top 14, the Los Angeles Clippers are in a very good position to initiate their rebuild. But who should they select to get the ball rolling? Collin Sexton from Alabama, that’s who.

Background

Collin Sexton was an unranked player two years ago. Now, he is a projected lottery point guard and athletic finisher. Most of Sextons game is played at the basket, though he can also pull up from mid and three point territory as well. His jumper is streaky and not too reliable, but it looks promising and will get better with time. Sexton excels in big game moments.

In a November game against Minnesota, all but five players from Alabama were ejected, meaning they have no reserves. Things got icy when 2 more players fouled out, leaving Alabama no other option than to play the remainder of the game as a three on five. Down 17 and with just over 10 minutes left to play, things weren’t looking good for the Crimson Tide. Sexton seized the opportunity and erupted for 40 points and led his team back in to the game. They were down three points with just a minute remaining, but to everyone’s dismay (that isn’t a fan of Minnesota), Alabama could quite erase their deficit, but if Collin Sexton hadn’t already made a name for himself, he had now.

Sexton is 6’2″ and has a 6’6″ wingspan, which gives him great defensive potential. Things aren’t all peachy for the Atlanta native however, with his main criticism coming from his play-making struggles. He averaged 3.6 assists and 2.8 turnovers per game in his sole season at Alabama. Those aren’t fantastic numbers, especially for a player that teams are going to look at to lead their offense. Also, he isn’t great off ball, often looking lost. In the end, Sexton is 19 and will have plenty of time to improve on his few problematic areas.

Fit in LAC

Currently, the Clippers are overwhelmed with guards, such as Milos Teodosic, Patrick Beverley, Sindarius Thornwell, Jawun Evans, Austin Rivers, and Lou Williams. Players like Williams, Rivers, and Thornwell spend most of their time at the two-guard position, so they wouldn’t take too many minutes from Sexton.

Teodosic, on the other hand, is 31 years old and a liability on defense. Aside from his passing that he displayed in Serbia, he doesn’t hold much value, and being over 30 means he has little to do with this teams future.

Patrick Beverley, 29, may not be part of the future either. Beverley is known for his perimeter defense, ability to stretch the floor, and crazy intensity. He will be a nice backcourt piece for the present, but due to his age, isn’t part of our rebuild either.

Jawun Evans is young, but doesn’t excel in any category. Selected in the second round of the 2017 draft, Evans likely will reach his peak as a decent backup guard.

Decision

With no clear direction for the point guard position, Sexton would have the chance to take the Clippers by the reigns. With the direction the league is going, a star point guard is a necessity if you wish to contend (unless you have LeBron James). Sexton’s ability to score inside and length will make him a mediocre point guard at his worst. With proper developments to his play-making ability and shooting consistency, Sexton is a lock to be the next great Clipper.