Cavaliers fans can be forgiven if they’ve forgotten how fun it is to root for Collin Sexton.
The guard missed all but 11 games in the 2021-22 season after suffering a gruesome knee injury.
And given how well the Cavs gelled this season, his absence added some to the chorus questioning Sexton’s long-term fit.
Regardless, the smiley, bubbly Sexton is someone, regardless of team affiliation, that you can’t help but pull for.
His first taped action back on the hardwood showed why.
Confidence Is Key
Sexton was flashing his hops and pearly whites in a recent clip from his workouts.
The Collin Sexton update Cavs fans love to see.
(🎥 @OvertimeElite)pic.twitter.com/nkjjzkRpb6
— Cavs Nation (@CavsNationCP) June 10, 2022
Smirking at the camera, and telling the world, “that’s what I look like” is incredibly fun to see.
Throw in two dunks, including one reverse jam, and it’s only a matter of time before Sexton’s naysayers find a reason to bring him back.
It’s a reminder of what the Cavs missed with him this season.
His offense has never been in doubt; he’s a dynamo who can go off for 25+ any given night.
But at times, his pairing with fellow-backcourt mate Darius Garland was questioned.
Granted, these questions existed well before Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen showed up.
And also way before Garland took a mega-leap this season.
Pacing The Field
There are apparently no shortage of suitors should Sexton be available, including, most recently, the Los Angeles Lakers.
Outwardly, the indications are that interest in a reunion between the Cavs and Sexton is mutual.
But behind the scenes, the front office is likely exploring every option related to Sexton.
Do Koby Altman & Co. want to already move on from a guy they drafted high only a few years ago?
Report: The Lakers have interest in Collin Sexton, via @AmicoHoops. pic.twitter.com/yw99Dl7bSc
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 9, 2022
Perhaps, if there’s an upgrade available.
But does Sexton swing a deal for someone like Donovan Mitchell?
Or a Zach Lavine?
Not by himself, but he does help.
And do the Cavs want to pay Sexton a massive contract when they aren’t sure how he fits?
If they commit long-term to Sexton and it doesn’t work out, they might get out of Kevin Love’s weighty contract only to find themselves mired in another rough situation.
Sexton is probably not a starting two guard on a championship team.
In an ideal world, Sexton could be used in a Tyler Herro-esque role, coming off the bench to shock opposing second units with a blitz of scoring.
And that’s not a bad role, either, considering Herro won Sixth Man of the Year and earned some All-Star buzz.
The question will be whether Sexton is willing to take a pay cut to play in that role.
On one hand, he loses out on cash.
On the other, he gets to stay involved in a team that, in a short time, will be a legit contender in the Eastern Conference.
No matter what happens, seeing Sexton back on the court is a welcome sign.
He’s someone who plays the game with a passion, a zeal that he has clearly not lost over the course of rehab.
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