In the offseason, it’s pretty much a guarantee that Lawrence Frank will weigh the LA Clippers’ options with Bennedict Mathurin. Though he started out on the right foot, Mathurin has pivoted in the opposite direction since, and if another team opts to overpay in the restricted free agent market, Frank won’t even pitch a fight. Why? Because a player like Collin Sexton, who is the ultimate backup plan, will be waiting to get paid by a contender.
As Sexton is currently in the final year of his contract, the Clippers will have no problem handing over Mathurin’s sixth-man duties to the 26-year-old. Both are relatively young, but the current Chicago Bull has advantages in experience and skill, which make him a better fit in LA.
All the Clippers have to do is be patient for the free agency doors to open up.
Collin Sexton is everything the Clippers need on the bench
For years, Collin Sexton has been a top-notch role player. He isn’t too fancy with his game, yet he is so effective as a scorer, playmaker, and hustler, which makes him a must-have on winning organizations like the LA Clippers.
As a member of the Chicago Bulls, Sexton has averaged 17.6 points, 2.9 rebounds per game, and 2.5 assists, shooting 48.2% from the floor and 41.2% from beyond the arc.
In addition to the excellent numbers he’s posted since the trade deadline, and at basically every stop that’s rostered him, Sexton has fit ridiculously easily, and is one of those players who’s seen as a coach’s pet.
He listens to what he’s told, shows effort in understanding, and goes out of his way to run the extra mile that most players are too comfortable not to do.
That screams like a match perfectly made for the Clippers’ bench if there is one.
However, in free agency, it won’t be sunshines and rainbows for Lawrence Frank. A handful of teams will call Sexton’s party to inquire about his preferences, primarily regarding the financial terms of his next contract.
In the same breath, the Bulls will likely want him back. Understandably so, Sexton is a piece for the future, and works well on and off the court with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.
As a result, the Clippers must prepare an undeniable offer for Sexton. He is a need more than a want, as Bennedict Mathurin has proven to be problematic off LA’s bench.