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2018 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview: Who is Collin Sexton?

By Philip Rossman-Reich

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 17: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide shoots the ball against Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 17: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide shoots the ball against Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Collin Sexton, Alabama Crimson Tide
ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 09: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates in the 81-63 win over the Auburn Tigers during the quarterfinals round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 9, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Final Word

Orlando Magic fans who fear Collin Sexton is the next Elfrid Payton should not really worry about that. Unlike Payton, Sexton is a much more skilled offensive player and shooter than Payton already. He has something that really sets him apart at the NBA level.

But the hesitance to draft another point guard with noted shooting struggles — with some mechanical problems at that — is well noted and warranted. Shooting has become so important and having a threat to score at point guard is even more important. It is going to be hard to win with a guard who is not a threat at all. Someone defenses can sag off.

Sexton will not be that. He can shoot the 3-pointer well enough and find his rhythm enough times to burn teams that stray from him too much. And without as much of a playmaking burden, maybe he can get some spot-up opportunities to increase his percentage.

But that shooting hang up will be the big question for him. Especially as he operates in the half court more.

Sexton is a gifted athlete. He can ramp up to 60, so to speak, as quickly as anyone. And he has a nose for getting to the basket and finishing at the rim. He is a scorer first.

That is both his strength and his weakness, though. He can relentlessly attack the rim. But can have tunnel vision and miss teammates or freeze some out. Whether Sexton can develop this playmaking instinct or ability will go a long way to determining his NBA future.

Still, there is something special about this kid. He has a determination and a spirit about him. A willingness to fight and push his team to victory.

That kind of intangible stands out to scouts and front offices too. They like to see players who are going to get after wins and hate to lose. That appears to be who Sexton is. He always brought out his best when the team needed it.

Next: 2018 NBA Draft Preview: Who is Elie Okobo

That will be hard to ignore too.