Sexton 'super grateful' to join Hornets
Collin Sexton is delighted to provide a veteran presence for the Charlotte Hornets after joining the team in a trade from the Utah Jazz.
"Super grateful for the opportunity. Ready to come in and help build the culture and just be a leader right away," Sexton told The Charlotte Observer's Rod Boone.
"I feel like the last couple of weeks practicing and stuff, it's been a lot of fun but also getting used to the guys."
Sexton was traded to the Hornets in late June with a 2030 second-round pick in exchange for center Jusuf Nurkic.
The 26-year-old former eighth overall pick averaged 17.5 points and 4.2 assists across three seasons with the Jazz.
The Hornets are a young group with many players competing in Las Vegas Summer League. Sexton has been in attendance alongside new teammates LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Brandon Miller.
"That is something that we've talked about. We want as many guys here to support the younger guys," Sexton said. "As you can see, we've had a really good turnout."
The guard added, "Whether it's on the court, off the court, whether you have questions about basketball, about life, we all are here and it's a brotherhood. We've got to pick up one another, and when someone is down, be there to encourage them when they need it."
Hornets head coach Charles Lee is also enthused about Sexton's addition. "At times he would stare me down during games as the opposing coach or scout coach, and he's always looking for some fuel to get him going," Lee said.
"So, when he first got here, I made sure to remind them of that. Like, 'Don't be looking at me crazy like that anymore or your minutes are going to suffer now.'"
The Hornets are looking to rebound following another dire season. They finished with a 19-63 record - the third-worst mark in the league - and missed the playoffs for a ninth successive campaign.
Lee thinks Sexton can help the Hornets realize their ambitions.
"He's just locked (in) and committed to being a Hornet and I love it," Lee said. "I already appreciate so much of what he's kind of giving to our group. Seeing him do group workouts with Melo, them having conversations, I just think it is really important for our group to continue to grow up."
The Hornets' offseason attempts to add experience to the roster have extended beyond Sexton. They also acquired forward Pat Connaughton in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks and signed Spencer Dinwiddie and Mason Plumlee to one-year deals.