NBA: Ranking every team’s starting backcourt heading into 2018-19

Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 15: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Chris Boucher #25 of the Toronto Raptors during a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Cavaliers defeated the Raptors 82-68. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 15: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Chris Boucher #25 of the Toronto Raptors during a quarterfinal game of the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Cavaliers defeated the Raptors 82-68. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

29. Collin Sexton, J.R. Smith – Cleveland Cavaliers

After losing LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers roster looks even worse. However, adding Collin Sexton with the 8th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft will give them a solid first step in their road to recovery. Even though he’s not listed as the starter, he will likely begin the season as the starter.

Sexton, in Summer League, had some great flashes and really appears to have all the tools of a good leader. He’s great on the defensive end and better on offense than he gets credit for. But he’s only one-half of the team’s backcourt.

J.R. Smith will likely get the starting nod at the two-spot, but he’s no longer the player that he used to be – even less so without LeBron James making his life a whole lot easier. The Cavs are going to struggle, but they don’t have the worst starting backcourt in the NBA – if that’s something to smile about.