Can This Former Alabama Guard Take His Game to the Next Level in Charlotte?
The Charlotte Hornets made a surprising but intriguing move this offseason by acquiring point guard Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round pick from the Utah Jazz in exchange for veteran center Jusuf Nurkić. At 26 years old, Sexton now finds himself in a new environment, with a fanbase excited to see progress and a front office evaluating future pieces of the current roster. He will earn nearly $19.2 million during the 2025-2026 NBA season, making him the third-highest paid player on the Hornets’ roster behind LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. That salary comes with expectations, especially on a young team looking to turn the corner. How Sexton meshes with the current roster and performs under second-year head coach Charles Lee could ultimately decide whether Charlotte offers him a long-term extension, pieces him in a trade, or lets him walk after his contract ends.
Sexton has always been known as a fierce competitor and high-energy scorer, dating back to his time in college at Alabama and his early NBA years playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was an over 20-point-per-game scorer in his second and third NBA years, peaking at 24.3 points during the 2020-2021 season. Injuries and team changes eventually shifted him into more of a secondary role, and since arriving in Utah, he’s averaged fewer minutes and touches. Still, he quietly had a strong 2024-2025 season, putting up 18.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game on a very efficient 48% shooting from the field and 40.6% from three. These numbers suggest Sexton is more than capable of contributing at a high level, especially when given consistent opportunities.
His arrival in Charlotte comes at a time when the Hornets are trying to build an identity. With LaMelo Ball leading the offense and Brandon Miller emerging as a scoring wing, the team needs players who can space the floor, create their shot, and bring toughness on both ends. Sexton fits those necessities, especially as a guard who can play on and off the ball. While Ball handles the bulk of the playmaking duties, Sexton offers the Hornets a change-of-pace scorer who can drive into the paint and finish through contact. If he accepts and thrives in that role, it could elevate Charlotte’s second unit, or even lead to closing-lineup minutes depending on matchups.
One of the main questions surrounding Sexton’s long-term value is his ability to expand beyond scoring. While his career average of 3.7 assists per game is respectable, it doesn’t scream primary playmaker, and at six-foot-three, he’s undersized for a traditional two-guard. Improving his decision-making and commitment on the defensive end could be the difference between being viewed as a sixth man or a long-term starter. This season presents an opportunity for Sexton to prove he can do more than score. If he shows growth as a leader, communicator, and efficient contributor within team systems, his market value could skyrocket and earn him a new contract, whether from Charlotte or another team willing to bet on his upside.
For the Hornets, Collin Sexton’s trade came with minimal risk. They gave up Jusuf Nurkić, a veteran big man who wasn’t a long-term fit with the organization, and in return acquired a dynamic guard entering his prime years. If Sexton doesn’t pan out in Charlotte, his contract isn’t unmanageable, and the team can move on without major consequences. However, if he clicks with the roster and coaching staff, the Hornets may find themselves with a valuable piece at the guard position they’ve struggled to solidify alongside LaMelo Ball. For Sexton, this is his chance to remind the league why he was a top-10 draft pick and once the face of a franchise in Cleveland. The stage is set in Charlotte, and whether he becomes a cornerstone or a short-term addition will depend on how much he grows this season.
