How Big of a Piece Will the Former Alabama Guard Be for Charlotte This Year?
When the Charlotte Hornets traded for Collin Sexton this summer, it immediately sparked curiosity about what kind of impact he could have. Sexton isn’t just another roster addition; he’s a proven scorer with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. The 26-year-old guard arrives in Charlotte fresh off a solid season in Utah, bringing energy, intensity, and experience to a young Hornets roster. With the team already full of offensive firepower, Sexton’s fit could end up shaping how far this group can go, and possibly his long-term future in Charlotte.
Sexton has built his reputation on relentless effort and attacking the basket with fearlessness. Through his career, he’s averaged nearly 19 points per game while shooting an efficient 47% from the field and close to 39% from deep. Last season with the Jazz, he put up over 18 points and four assists per game, proving he can score efficiently and distribute when needed. His contract, worth $19.75 million this season, reflects his talent level, but also raises expectations. The Hornets didn’t trade for him to simply fill minutes; they brought him in to elevate their backcourt and possibly stabilize a bench unit that struggled for consistency last season.
The intriguing part about Sexton’s arrival is how he fits into a team that already has three players averaging over 20 points per game in LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges. On paper, that might make it harder for him to find shots, but Sexton’s game doesn’t rely on volume alone; it relies on energy, toughness, and the ability to change the rhythm of a game. His aggressive style complements the Hornets’ more free-flowing offense, giving the team a different look when he’s on the floor. If he can embrace that role and thrive as a spark plug, Charlotte’s second unit could become one of its biggest strengths.
In his Hornets debut during the preseason opener, Sexton offered a glimpse of what he brings to the table. Coming off the bench, he scored 11 points in just 17 minutes, including a perfect seven-for-seven from the free-throw line. More importantly, he looked confident and under control, attacking defenders and forcing contact instead of settling for jumpers. That type of aggression can energize teammates and turn momentum quickly, something the Hornets have sorely needed in past seasons. It’s still early, but Sexton looked like a player determined to carve out a meaningful role right away.
This season is a pivotal one for Sexton, both personally and professionally. How he performs will likely determine whether the Hornets explore extending his contract, try to trade him for another piece, or let him walk after the season. If he proves he can fit next to Ball, Miller, and Bridges, while anchoring the bench, there’s every reason for Charlotte to view him as part of the long-term plan. However, if the chemistry doesn’t click or his impact feels redundant, the team may decide to move in another direction. Either way, Sexton’s presence brings intrigue, and for a team hungry to take the next step in the Eastern Conference, that might be exactly what they need.
