NBA Rookie Rankings: 5 players with the most long-term potential

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 19: Collin Sexton #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Marvin Williams #2 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on December 19, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

4. Collin Sexton

People claiming Sexton has the potential to become the next Russell Westbrook need to dial it down a little bit. Both players show serious athleticism, but Sexton isn’t the nuclear athlete that the Thunder guard is.

That doesn’t mean Sexton can’t be a star. The fact that he’s currently shooting over 40 percent from three allays the biggest fear scouts had about him coming into the league. The fact that he’s shooting the ball that well despite being the focus of the Cavaliers perimeter attack bodes really well for his future.

Sexton’s path to stardom is really clear. The NBA places great value on point guards who can score efficiently. If he can increase his usage a moderate amount and maintain his efficiency he’s going to be a terrific offensive weapon for Cleveland.

The next thing he’ll need to do is become a much better creator. Right now, Sexton is guilty of tunnel vision when he drives the ball into the lane. Teams are going to start to scheme against that tendency as the season goes on. Sexton’s ability to adjust and dish the ball off to his teammates will go a long way towards determining how competitive Cleveland can be down the stretch.

You still have to like Sexton’s physical gifts and shooting ability. It’s pretty easy to see him blossoming into a star if a few things go right.

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