Collin Sexton's NBA Journey: How He Became a Rising Star in the League

I still remember the first time I watched Collin Sexton play during his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. There was something electric about how he moved on the court - this relentless energy that reminded me of those standout volleyball players I'd been studying recently, particularly Thailand's brilliant outside hitter Chatchu-on Moksri. Both athletes share that same explosive quality, that ability to change the game's momentum in a single play. When I look at Sexton's journey from a young prospect to becoming one of the most exciting guards in the league, I can't help but draw parallels to how elite athletes across different sports develop their signature styles.

Sexton's path to NBA stardom began long before he was drafted eighth overall in 2018. Growing up in Georgia, he developed a reputation for his incredible work ethic and competitive fire. I've always been fascinated by what separates good players from great ones, and in Sexton's case, it's that almost obsessive drive to improve. During his single season at Alabama, he averaged 19.2 points per game while shooting 44.7% from the field - impressive numbers for a freshman playing in the tough SEC conference. What stood out to me most was his performance against Minnesota where he scored 40 points despite his team playing 3-on-5 for the final 10 minutes after multiple ejections. That game told me everything I needed to know about his mental toughness.

When the Cavaliers selected him in the draft, I'll admit I had my doubts about how his game would translate to the NBA level. Cleveland was in a transitional phase after LeBron James' departure, and the pressure on young players was immense. But Sexton proved me and many other skeptics wrong by steadily improving each season. His scoring average jumped from 16.7 points in his rookie year to 20.8 in his second season, then to 24.3 in his third year. That kind of consistent improvement doesn't happen by accident - it requires the same dedication I've observed in elite volleyball players like Wimonrat Thanapan, the Thai middle blocker whose defensive prowess reminds me of how Sexton has developed his two-way game.

The 2021-2022 season marked a turning point in Sexton's career, though it came with significant challenges. After being traded to the Utah Jazz as part of the Donovan Mitchell deal, he faced the difficult task of establishing himself on a new team. What impressed me most was how he adapted his game. He's always been known as a score-first guard, but in Utah, he's shown growth in his playmaking abilities, increasing his assists per game from 2.9 to 4.1 while maintaining his scoring efficiency. I've noticed similar adaptability in top volleyball athletes - the way Chatchu-on Moksri adjusts her attacking angles based on the block she's facing mirrors how Sexton has learned to read defenses and make smarter decisions with the ball.

One aspect of Sexton's game that doesn't get enough attention, in my opinion, is his durability. Before the meniscus injury that limited him to 11 games in the 2021-2022 season, he had missed only 14 games total across his first three seasons. That reliability is incredibly valuable in today's NBA, where load management has become commonplace. I respect players who take pride in being available night after night, much like how consistent performers in volleyball earn recognition through sustained excellence rather than occasional brilliance.

Looking at Sexton's current situation with the Jazz, I'm genuinely excited about his potential. At 24 years old, he's entering what should be the prime years of his career, and he's shown all the signs of a player ready to take that next step. His three-point shooting has improved to a respectable 38.4% last season, and he's become more efficient overall with a true shooting percentage of 58.7%. These might seem like dry statistics, but they represent the refinement of his game - the kind of development that separates rotational players from stars.

What really stands out to me when I watch Sexton play now compared to his early years is his basketball IQ. He's making quicker decisions, reading defensive schemes better, and understanding when to attack versus when to facilitate. This maturation process reminds me of how veteran volleyball players learn to anticipate plays before they develop. It's that combination of physical talent and mental growth that creates truly special athletes.

I believe Sexton's best basketball is still ahead of him. With the Jazz building around their young core, he has the opportunity to establish himself as a franchise cornerstone. His work ethic suggests he'll continue to add elements to his game, whether it's improved defense, better playmaking, or more efficient scoring. The NBA has this incredible way of revealing players' true characters over time, and Sexton's journey has shown him to be resilient, adaptable, and endlessly determined.

As someone who's followed his career from college to the present, I've come to appreciate not just his statistical production but the intangible qualities he brings to his team. That same competitive fire I noticed in his rookie season still burns brightly, but it's now channeled more effectively. He's learned to pick his spots, to trust his teammates, and to impact the game in multiple ways. In many ways, his development arc mirrors what we see in other sports - the gradual refinement of raw talent into polished skill, the transformation of physical gifts into basketball wisdom.

The NBA landscape continues to evolve, but players like Collin Sexton remind us that fundamental qualities like work ethic, resilience, and competitive spirit never go out of style. His journey from highly-touted prospect to established NBA scorer serves as an excellent blueprint for young players entering the league. While statistics and highlights capture moments, it's the day-to-day commitment to improvement that ultimately defines a player's legacy. Based on what I've observed, Sexton understands this better than most, and that's why I'm confident we'll be watching his continued ascent for years to come.