Collin Sexton poised to be Hornets’ offensive spark as top bench scorer this season
The Charlotte Hornets enter the new season with several questions surrounding their roster. Among the most pressing is the identity of their leading bench player. With the recent additions of Kon Knueppel and Collin Sexton, the competition for the shooting guard position will be fierce as training camp approaches.
Roster Dynamics and Key Additions
The Hornets have made significant moves this offseason, drafting Knueppel with a top-five pick and trading for Sexton. These two players are expected to compete head-to-head for the two-guard role. However, it appears that Knueppel’s skill set aligns well with the existing roster, making his starting position likely. This scenario pushes Sexton into a bench role, where he is expected to thrive as Charlotte’s top contributor.
Why Collin Sexton Will Shine Off the Bench
Sexton’s transition from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Utah Jazz was a mixed bag, as he struggled to find his rhythm in a starting role. However, coming off the bench may be the key to unlocking his scoring potential. As a ball-dominant guard, Sexton excels when he has control of the ball, allowing him to both score and create plays effectively. With LaMelo Ball already commanding the offense as the starting point guard, Sexton’s bench role allows him to maintain his playing style without needing to adapt drastically to a new environment.
Boosting Bench Production
The Hornets are acutely aware that improved bench production is vital for their aspirations of reaching the playoffs. They are ready to move past the days of vying for high draft picks and are focused on building a competitive team. Sexton’s efficient scoring ability is a significant asset in this pursuit.
Throughout the past three seasons, he has maintained a shooting percentage exceeding 39% from beyond the arc, a trait that is sorely lacking among Charlotte’s current bench players. His ability to stretch the floor could provide the Hornets with the necessary flexibility in late-game situations, allowing him to partner with Ball as a secondary ball-handler.
Health and Impact
As long as Sexton remains healthy, he is poised to be an invaluable asset for the Hornets this season. His scoring prowess, combined with the potential to impact games both as a starter and off the bench, elevates Charlotte’s offensive ceiling. The team is banking on his contributions to help them take the next step in their competitive journey.
With training camp around the corner, all eyes will be on how Sexton integrates into the Hornets’ system and maximizes his role as their secret weapon off the bench.
