Cleveland Cavaliers: Why the Cavs have a chance to make the playoffs in 2018-19

Cleveland Cavaliers J.R. Smith Kevin Love (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers J.R. Smith Kevin Love (Photo by Jamie Sabau/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)

Involve Sexton early and often

From his Summer League preview, it’s clear Collin Sexton has the talent to succeed in the NBA and play a key role for the Cavaliers in the future – not to mention him being the top prediction for Rookie of the Year voted by his peers. However, the question right now is how much Ty Lue involves Sexton in next season’s plans, and considering George Hill and Jordan Clarkson are the point guard options, he should be involved early and often.

Sexton’s aggressive attacking mentality provides a dynamic to the team that adds unpredictability for points in transition and defensive breakdowns, which is sorely needed in Cleveland. His Summer League performance proved that he will be a key player in the Cavaliers’ future plans.

His stat line for the tournament, as well as being named to the Summer League All-NBA First Team are definite promising signs for his development and impact. He certainly has the talent to be in the starting lineup, however Ty Lue may opt for the established veteran starting lineup with Hill or Clarkson.

Nevertheless, Sexton’s role can certainly be leading the second unit and be given opportunities to run the team.

From what we’ve seen so far, he has the right mentality to be a foundation player for the post-LeBron Cavaliers in the future, which is exactly what the team needs in order to properly move on from the glory days of LeBron James.