Los Angeles Clippers 2018 NBA Draft profile: Collin Sexton

Collin Sexton is a dynamic playmaking guard that carried Alabama to an NCAA Tournament berth that could carry the Los Angeles Clippers into a new era.

With both the 12th and 13th overall picks in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers can draft a difference maker. Collin Sexton of Alabama can be that difference maker and should slide down to the Clippers’ selections.

Typically, difference makers that can carry the franchise into a new era are exclusive to the first three to five picks in the draft. Of course, like with anything, there are expectations and the 13th overall pick has a pretty good track record.

Collin Sexton is the perfect guy to add to that good track record and act as the new point guard in a new era of Lob City. Heck, Sexton practically carried the Alabama Crimson Tide to the first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012 and the first round of 32 appearance since 2006.

More from LA Sports Hub

Sexton has the kind of explosiveness that makes up for his six-foot-two size. Sexton not only can get to both ends of the court in a breeze but can blow by opposing defenders and get to the basket on isolation. In that regards, Sexton is much like Dallas’ Dennis Smith Jr.

Sexton can score with both hands at the basket and can make acrobatic finishes reminiscent of Kyrie Irving.

While his size can be an issue, Sexton uses his athleticism to close the gap defensively and can run a decent hands-up defense in the NBA.

Sexton has the speed to keep up with nearly any NBA guard, the biggest concern is going to be when he gets switched onto bigger guys on picks.

Sexton displays the new wave of score-first guards that can get to the rim and make things happen themselves. However, with better tools around him in the NBA, Sexton should be a great slash and kick guy that can rack up assists. While he doesn’t have the passing abilities of Lonzo Ball, he can still average at least five assists per game at his best.

The biggest concern around Sexton is his shaky shooting, which could become a problem in today’s NBA. However, Ben Simmons set the mold for succeeding without a jump shot and Sexton can take note. However, it is not like he was a terrible shooter in college, he shot 33 percent from beyond the arc.

However, it is Sexton’s attitude and tenacity that has taken him this far and is what has allowed him to overcome size barriers as he progresses in basketball.

Next: Scouting profile: Robert Williams

While he is naturally gifted, his motor and attitude are what allowed him to score 19.2 points per game last season. There are some kinks to be worked out but Sexton has legitimate star potential with the 12th overall selection.

All statistics courtesy of Sports-Reference.

Home/Los Angeles Clippers