With construction crews still putting the finishing touches on the Hornets’ soon-to-be-renovated arena, Collin Sexton takes a brief moment to reflect. Practice has just wrapped up inside the Novant Health Training Center, located across the street from the Hornets’ new multi-million-dollar performance complex slated to open in 2027. Around Spectrum Center, workers move with purpose—a reflection of the broader vision shared by co-owners Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, along with president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson. Their collective goal: to rewrite the long-standing narrative that has shadowed the Charlotte Hornets for much of the past twenty years—and to do so quickly.
“I could sense that right away when I got here,” Sexton said Monday. “From my first conversation with Jeff and Coach Charles Lee, they made it clear—‘We’re trying to change the culture. We want to win. We want to give the fans something to be proud of and cheer for.’ That’s something I wanted, too. I want to win. I want to be part of a winning organization and do whatever I can to impact that.”
For Sexton, there’s no interest in revisiting the team’s struggles of the past.
“We’ve all seen the bottom, and we’re not going back there,” he said. “It’s only up from here. Sometimes you don’t really know who you are until your back’s against the wall—and that’s where we are as a team. We’ve hit the bottom, and now it’s time to fight our way back.”
Collin Sexton’s Fit and Leadership Fuel New Era in Charlotte
Acquired from Utah in June—along with a 2030 second-round pick in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic—Collin Sexton has quickly emerged as one of Jeff Peterson’s most impactful offseason additions. The 25-year-old guard has seamlessly blended into the Hornets’ system, bringing versatility as both a playmaker and ball-handler. Coming off a strong 2024–25 season with the Jazz, where he averaged 18.4 points and 4.2 assists across 63 games, Sexton proved capable of contributing as either a starter or a high-energy option off the bench.
While head coach Charles Lee has yet to reveal his full rotation plans, Sexton projects as a likely starter alongside LaMelo Ball. His first extended opportunity to share the court with Ball came during Saturday night’s preseason win over the Dallas Mavericks, a performance that left Lee optimistic ahead of Wednesday’s matchup against Memphis at the Greensboro Coliseum.
“I think last game was a great example of Collin’s ability to play in different lineups,” Lee said. “He’s extremely versatile. The first two games he came off the bench, handled the ball, and helped stabilize that second unit. Against Dallas, he played off the ball more while Melo, Brandon (Miller), and Miles (Bridges) ran the pick-and-roll—and he adjusted really well. He’s another guy who can get into the paint and make things happen.”
Lee praised Sexton’s attacking mentality and court vision, noting how his drives open opportunities for others. “He helps Brandon, Miles, and Melo get better looks,” Lee explained. “When he’s getting downhill and putting pressure on defenses, it forces rotations. He’s a willing passer, and that makes everyone’s job easier.”
Beyond his on-court production, Sexton has brought something the Hornets have lacked in recent years—a vocal, confident leader. Despite being one of the team’s newer faces, he hasn’t hesitated to speak up and hold teammates accountable, earning the respect of both players and coaches.
“Yeah, he’s not afraid to communicate,” Lee said. “Everyone sees how hard he works every day, so he’s already leading by example. When he does speak, it comes from passion and competitiveness. The guys respond to that because they know it’s coming from a good place. He’s helped raise the intensity of that starting group, especially defensively, where he sets the tone against opposing guards.”
For Sexton, his approach is simple—stay true to himself.
“Since I got here, I’ve tried not to focus on fitting in,” Sexton said. “I just keep being me. Confidence brings leadership, and leading by example has always been who I am—college, high school, everywhere. I felt like this team needed that kind of leadership, someone who can pull the group together when things get tough. That’s what I want to bring.”
Sexton also spoke with The Charlotte Observer about his chemistry with LaMelo Ball, the mindset of playing in a contract year, and the relationships he’s been building as he looks to make an immediate impact in Charlotte.
Roderick Boone: How’s it been for you trying to find your rhythm with the team—getting on the same page as the guys, fitting in alongside LaMelo, while still staying true to yourself and your game?
Collin Sexton: It’s definitely been an adjustment—different, for sure. I’m still learning where my spots are and figuring out how everything fits together. That’s what preseason is for, though. Playing with LaMelo for the first time felt really good. I can already tell it’s only going to improve as we keep working together and building that trust. From here, it’s all about growth.
RB: After the preseason opener in Charleston, you pointed out both the positives and the negatives. How important is it to be honest about what’s working and what’s not?
CS: It’s everything. I always tell myself to live in my truth. If I’m not having a good day, I admit it. If I’m not doing what I need to, I hold myself accountable. And that’s the kind of standard we’re setting with each other as teammates. We’re not sugarcoating anything—it’s “I need more from you,” or “you need more from me.” Being real with each other like that is how we’re going to grow and become one of those good teams.
RB: Now that you’ve had a chance to start alongside LaMelo in the same backcourt, what was that experience like—and how can that partnership develop as you two get more time together?
CS: It was great—honestly, a lot of fun. You really see just how talented he is once you’re on the floor with him. I’ve always watched his game and knew he was special, but when you’re sharing the court, you get those “wow” moments. As we spend more time together, it’s going to start clicking naturally. I’ll know where he likes to be when I drive, and he’ll know where I’ll be when he attacks. It’s all about spacing, timing, and trust. Everyone has a role, and sometimes that means sacrificing a little for the good of the team—cutting, spacing, doing the little things to make each other better.
RB: How’s your relationship with LaMelo off the court?
CS: It’s been really good. I’m learning more about him not just as a player, but as a person—what he likes, what motivates him. We’ve been connecting on things outside of basketball, which helps strengthen that bond. The more we build that friendship, the more trust we’ll have on the court. I’ve seen how much he means to this team—he’s the engine, the leader—and we need him at his best. So every day in practice, I’m pushing him, picking him up full court, getting physical, giving him game-like reps to keep sharpening him.
RB: And what stands out to you about his competitive fire?
CS: He’s got a different kind of competitiveness—it doesn’t matter what it is. Could be basketball, Uno, dominoes—he wants to win. That edge is just part of who he is, and honestly, it’s really fun to be around.
Roderick Boone: Outside of LaMelo, who else have you been building chemistry with?
Collin Sexton: I’ve really been connecting with Brandon and Miles, and also trying to help some of the younger guys. But definitely Brandon and Miles—they’re both key leaders on this team. I told Brandon from the first day I got here that I want to help him grow and push him to reach that next level. If I see something he can do better, I’m going to pull him aside and say, “Hey, this is what I need from you today.” That’s the kind of accountability we’ve built with each other. Plus, Brandon and I share that Alabama connection—Roll Tide—so that’s another bond we’ve got.
RB: You’re in the final year of your contract. How do you keep that from weighing on you?
CS: By staying focused on the present. Every day I come in grateful—grateful for the chance to lace up and play this game, and to do it here with this organization. I can’t worry about what’s coming two weeks or two months from now. I just have to stay where my feet are and take it one day at a time. My faith keeps me grounded, and my family’s support keeps me strong. With those two things behind me, I know anything’s possible.
No Comment! Be the first one.