Preparing for training camp, the competition for the primary point guard role within the Jazz is anticipated to be fierce. Collin Sexton, along with Kris Dunn, Talen Horton-Tucker, Jordan Clarkson, and rookie Keyonte George, are all viewed as contenders for the coveted position.
In the midst of partaking in the Powder League, a renowned summer league in Utah, Sexton voiced his determination to validate his eligibility for the starting point guard spot following a season marred by injuries in 2022/23. He stressed the significance of the impending season and his enthusiasm to display his capabilities.
“I aim to exhibit that I am back in top form and completely ready,” Sexton conveyed. “Every season holds immense importance for me, hence I do not burden myself excessively. Yet, as my most critical evaluator, I always uphold lofty standards for myself.
“Throughout this summer, I have been closely studying game tapes. My aspiration is to seize control of the point guard role and illustrate my leadership skills. I am regaining my momentum, and I foresee this upcoming season to be gratifying.”
In the previous season, Mike Conley operated as Utah’s first-choice point guard until the trade deadline, when he was traded to Minnesota as part of a three-way deal involving the Lakers. While Westbrook was originally acquired by the Jazz in the trade, he was subsequently released without making an appearance for the team, creating a void at the point guard position.
Although Horton-Tucker finished the prior season as the starting point guard for Utah, he lacks the typical playmaking abilities linked with the role. Sexton and Clarkson both operate as scoring-oriented combo guards, and despite Dunn being the most traditional point guard on the roster, he is on a contract without assurance and has made few appearances over the past three seasons. Consequently, no player is assured of the starting role.
Sexton has exhibited remarkable scoring prowess over his five-year career, maintaining an average of 19.0 points each game with shooting efficiencies of .464/.380/.826. However, his assist statistics have been conservative, averaging merely 3.2 assists (contrasted with 2.4 turnovers) in 266 regular season matches, and his defense is perceived to be undersized. Nevertheless, he retains belief in his capacity to fulfill the duties of a point guard.
“I possess the capability of executing the correct plays,” Sexton declared. “I merely need to take to the court and deliver. This season is pivotal for me individually and for our team, and I am thrilled. I am convinced that we have the potential to experience significant success.”
In the preceding season, Sexton was restricted to 48 appearances, commencing in a mere 15 of them. Although the 24-year-old yearns for a more substantial role as a starter this season, he is amenable to accepting a backup position if it contributes to the team’s triumph.
“This season, all of us must commit to the collective objective of triumph,” he remarked. “Ultimately, that is the utmost priority. When we triumph, everything aligns, and everyone prospers. That mindset is what we ought to embrace as we head into camp and the season.”
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