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Collin Sexton wants to make Cavaliers fans forget about Kyrie Irving

By Rucker Haringey

INDEPENDENCE, OH - JUNE 22: Cleveland Cavaliers draft pick, Collin Sexton, is introduced during a press conference on June 22, 2018 at the Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDEPENDENCE, OH - JUNE 22: Cleveland Cavaliers draft pick, Collin Sexton, is introduced during a press conference on June 22, 2018 at the Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Lots of Cavaliers fans are concerned about how Collin Sexton will impact LeBron James. Sexton is more concerned with replacing Kyrie Irving.

When the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Alabama guard Collin Sexton with the No. 8 pick in the draft it was obvious the team wanted him to take over the point guard position for the long haul. The last players to occupy that role with excellent was Kyrie Irving. Sexton isn’t just replacing him on the floor, he’s also taking his number.

Sexton has made the decision to stick with No. 2. That was his collegiate number with the Crimson Tide, but it was also Irving’s number during his time with the Cavs. Sexton may say publicly that he is only concerned with playing his own game, but his decision to take Kyrie’s jersey makes it obvious he wants to do more.

That, of course, will be a tall task for the talented point guard. Irving is one of the best point guards in the game. His ability to create offense out of nothing makes him one of the most unique forces in the NBA. Sexton has a long way to go to get anywhere near that level of production.

The rookie guard needs to focus his energy on becoming a quality starter. If he tries to do too much he’s going to set himself up to fail in his first season. Sexton needs to focus on letting the game come to him and setting up his teammates.

Of course, everything regarding his role with the team could change if LeBron James elects to depart in free agency. If that happens, suddenly Sexton will be expected to shoulder a much larger load of Ty Lue’s offense. That might help his individual career in the long-run, but it would likely put the Cavaliers into the lottery next season.

Next: NBA Draft 2018: 5 best lead guards

Replacing Kyrie Irving in the hearts and minds of Cleveland fans is a great long-term goal for Collin Sexton. It’s not something he can accomplish next season though. In 2018-19, he simply needs to focus his attention on becoming a league average point guard. That would qualify as a serious success in his rookie campaign.

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