Cavs G Collin Sexton suffers torn meniscus and What It Could Mean

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COLLIN SEXTON SUFFERS TORN MENISCUS



Reported by Adrian Wojnarowski today at 1:57M eastern, Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton has suffered a torn meniscus during the Knicks game on Sunday evening, after bumping knees into Jarrett Allen and feeling discomfort. The former Alabama guard had been dealing with minor injuries here and there early throughout the season but this one obviously is the biggest blow for him.









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WHAT IT COULD MEAN FOR SEXTON

As most know since the "falling out" of contract extension talks between Sexton and his camp and the Cavaliers, this is the shooting guards contract year. Giving this season to prove himself to the Cavs and the league his worth. Prior to this injury, Sexton had been averaging 16 points per game, 3 boards per game, and 2 assists per game on forty-nine percent from the field and twenty-four percent from the three point line in twenty eight minutes per game. All career lows since his rookie season, in which many Sexton fans have been confused and angered by but it has been one of the factors the Cavs are at a 7-4 record. With the acquisition of Ricky Rubio in exchange for Tauren Prince back in July, the Cavaliers now have consistent good playmaking and ball movement all forty-eight minutes of the game between Rubio and Darius Garland. Sexton, with his usage rate expectedly going down and introduced to more of an off ball role, has needed to adjust to that. In which would take more than just 11 games into the season, being a ball dominating guard since college. A big role change for Sexton this year, but at the end of the day him and the young Cavaliers just want to win and give the fans something special to watch. A meniscus tear could be anywhere from two to three months which is a good chunk of the season. The time for Sexton to really mesh well in this new Cavs system will be missed and now will need to be made up. On a money perspective of things, there was already disagreement on an 100Million dollar contract prior to the season. Sexton has been unselfish and proudly open to this new role as more of an off ball guy even with less minutes as long as it leads to a team win. So as long as he comes back fully healthy and is still that guy and hopefully with his efficiency better I expect him to still get the contract he is worth.












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WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE CAVS


The Cavaliers will be without Sexton now for a good bit. It can now be the next man up mentality. As for wing depth, Cleveland has been lacking in that department since the second departure of LeBron James in 2018. But this gives Cavs' fifth overall pick in 2020 Isaac Okoro a chance to play his position he's played since college, the 2.  Though on October 25th, Okoro suffered a hamstring strain against the Denver Nuggets and has not played since. His return reportedly is close. His confidence and play has always been at its highest at the shooting guard position, seeing the floor and driving lanes much better on the wing. This also gives Okoro more of an opportunity to prove himself to the Cavs as well, losing his starting spot to Lauri Markannen this season. Who is also currently out due to health and safety protocols. Another option for the Cavs and they could continue their "tall ball" style is starting 6'7 forward Cedi Osman at the 2. Who's so far has had a very good season averaging 9 points per game on forty-five percent from three in just 19 minutes per game. Cavs first round pick back in 2019 Dylan Windler could be an option to start as well and get an opportunity to prove himself as well. Windler ever since drafted has been very injury riddled but when healthy, can be a good 3&D guy. Maybe even the 16th overall pick in the 2016 Draft Denzel Valentine gets more minutes now. The Spartan Dawg can be another streaky 3&D guy but this could be his only chance to get an opportunity, if any. I'd even give Cavs g leaguer Kyle Guy an opportunity to just come in and shoot the lights out. Okoro, Cedi, Windler, and Valentine can be solid options to step into the absence of Sexton but obviously even with Sextons "slow start" to the year, they will not be given the attention Sexton has. Which could lead to the Cavs front office making a tough decision. 









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TRADE TARGETS

Trades in general can get very dicey especially when it comes to the Cavs. But it's been a long drawn out four years of this rebuild for the patient genuine Cavs fans. And with their 3rd overall pick from USC Evan Mobley, they’re off to a 7-4 start to the season and each game so far, even the losses have actually been enjoyable. I could have not said that any year prior. I'm sure the Cavs just don't want to back out now and give up on this great start. Depending on how aggressive they want to get, they could find a decent scoring punch. There is no direct Sexton replacement--at least not for now-- but they could still find someone to fill in a scoring gap. Again depending on how bad they want it. Cavs have the first rounders and good early second rounders if they wanted to. Sacramento's Terrance Davis for some reason was the first person that came to my mind, but he is a second rookie all teamer who could be a good shot creator given the minutes, which he is currently not in SacTown. Atlanta's Cam Reddish and Orlando's Terrence Ross are names that always came up amongst the fanbase even with Sexton healthy, while they are great additions those teams may ask for a solid return package. So it all depends on how aggressive Cleveland wants to get. Another sleeper who given the opportunity can be a good shot creator is Minnesota's Jaylen Nowell. His stats this year will not jump out to you but if you have watched him play, that 22 year old has a lot of potential. A name I will always be intrigued with is Denver's PJ Dozier, who continues to get inconsistent play time but when he does play can be a good big guard. Just thoughts. The Cavs could very well just attempt to bank on the current roster and its depth until the return of Sexton. 




Injuries have affected several teams this year. And Sexton being out is a blow for the young Cavs. But again they are off to a 7-4 start currently on a four game winning streak. If I am the front office I would try to keep this going as long as it can. There could be trades for them to make. Or even a low risk free agent signing. But so far, the Cavs have been fun to watch so I hope the streak continues. 

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