While most NBA draft evaluators are focused on the group of talented big men at the top of the 2018 pool, Alabama point guard Collin Sexton should hear his name called somewhere in the Top 10 next June.
Sexton put on one of the most amazing displays we've ever seen during a Thanksgiving week tournament. The 6-foot-3 freshman poured in 40 points in a loss to Minnesota, scoring 17 points in the final 10-plus minutes while his team was forced to play 3-against-5 because of ejections and injuries. Even though the nationally-ranked Gophers knew the ball would be in Sexton's hands, they still couldn't stop him. Alabama actually outscored Minnesota during the 3-against-5 stretch, and that was due to the brilliant play of their point guard.
Since point guards Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball were the first two picks in 2017, there might not be a high demand at that position for teams selecting at the top of next summer's draft. Still, Sexton might be able to crack the Top 5 if he continues to play at his current pace. He's averaging nearly 25 points a game while shooting right around 50 percent from the field and 48 percent from the 3-point line. Sexton can create his own shot and is a good finisher at the rim.
It seems unlikely the Bulls would be interested in drafting a point guard with their high 1st-round pick after acquiring former Top 5 selection Kris Dunn in the Jimmy Butler trade with Minnesota. Dunn is already an impact player on the defensive end and his offensive game has been better than advertised. The Bulls also have three other young PGs on the roster in Jerian Grant, Cameron Payne and Kay Felder.
Having an elite point guard is a requirement for contending teams in today's NBA, so whether or not teams have a primary need at that spot, a dynamic player like Sexton will generate a lot of interest as we approach draft night next June.