Having completed the first of what he hopes will be many NBA seasons, Cleveland Cavaliers rookie guard Collin Sexton is no doubt reflecting on the ups and downs he experienced over 82 games.
However, he took time on social media to express his thanks to the Cavaliers organization, his teammates and the team’s fan base.
@cavs thank you to the organization, my teammates, and most importantly the fans for a great rookie season. Can’t wait for year #2. #MWAP pic.twitter.com/doOAD8tMe4
— Collin 'Young Bull' Sexton (@CollinSexton02) April 16, 2019
While Sexton’s first season with the Cavaliers saw the team collapse from four consecutive finals appearances to a 19-63 record, he made strides over the course of the campaign. The 20-year-old averaged 16.7 points, 3.0 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game, and showed himself to be durable by playing in all 82 contests.
The rough baptism Sexton received during his first few months with the team was expected. Most rookies struggle in the early going, with the University of Alabama product also having the added pressure of taking over for George Hill after the veteran was dealt to Milwaukee in December.
Sexton scored 20 points or more in 19 of the Cavaliers’ final 30 games, breaking LeBron James’ team rookie record for consecutive 20-point performances during that stretch. In addition, he broke Kyrie Irving’s team rookie record for 3-pointers, draining 119 shots from beyond the arc on the season.
In those final two months, Sexton began to display many of the abilities that had compelled the Cavaliers to make him the eighth overall selection in last year’s NBA draft. That strong finish bodes well for him next year, with the hope being that the team’s injury woes from this season subside and the addition of a top draft pick makes it a possible playoff contender.
