Here is the youth report for the week of December 16th through 22nd.

Player of the week: Collin Sexton

Averages this week: 19 points, 3 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 52.4 FG%, 0 3P%, 58.6 TS% in three games

For my money, this was Collin Sexton’s best week of the season. The Raptors and Hornets games featured some of the best decision making we’ve seen all season from him.

He did a great job attacking the rim and with his decision making. While he averaged as many turnovers as assists, the ball was not stopping with him and he had several passes that lead to an assist. That’s progress!

After nearly a month and a half of playing playoff teams, Sexton and the rest of the team excelled when given the opportunity to get some wins. Yes there were lapses, but for that early season effort to return with a chance to win on the line it was great to see the team step up.

You’d like to see Sexton’s outside shot normalize to some extent, but seeing him adjust to the shot not falling and get to the rim was an encouraging sign. Not all teams are equipped with players that have the speed and length to keep Sexton in front of him. Simplifying his game and being decisive with either north/south offensive plays or giving the ball up will help keep him effective offensively.

Kevin Porter Jr.

Averages this week: 7.7 points, 1.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 45 FG%, 33.3 3P%, 55.1 TS% in three games

After a couple standout weeks, this one was a little more tame for Porter Jr. The shot selection seems to improve by the game and he consistently function within the offense.

John Beliein experimenting with staggering Sexton and Garland throughout the game has looked encouraging in its early returns. Garland, Porter Jr., Larry Nance Jr., and John Henson have helped the Cavs produce a more balanced attack.

His athleticism stands out every time you watch him play and he continues to learn how to channel those physical gifts. When you add his growth to the blossoming chemistry between he and Garland, it’s an encouraging sign for a season that’s been fairly bleak.

Darius Garland

Averages this week: 13.7 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 41.2 FG%, 35 3P%, 55.9 TS% in three games

Garland’s week started with probably his best performance of the season against Toronto. While his 21 point, 6 assist performance against the Bucks may get the nod from some, how he got his numbers against Toronto was the most encouraging part.

He had an early turnover trying to get the ball to Thompson in traffic and didn’t shoot well to start. However he kept shooting without hesitation and shot his way into an efficient game and took care of the basketball. You can tell the game is slowing down for him and that he is regaining his conditioning and confidence.

A 2.5 assist to turnover ratio this week is also a positive sign, as turnovers have plagued Garland for most of this season. We’ll see if it’s something that can be somewhat sustained over the next few weeks.

Cedi Osman

Averages this week: 14.3 points, 1.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 54.8 FG%, 46.7 3P%, 63.9 TS% in three games

Like Sexton, Osman had what I believe to be his strongest week of the season. His aggressiveness and activity off ball was rewarded in his 18 point outburst against the Charlotte Hornets.

While I’d like to see a little more play making, this level of activity is what the Cavs need to see on a more consistent basis from Osman. He’s a solid, but not great, three point shooter who’s at his best when he is being active off ball. The spot up attempts will come and go, but the team has more life when he is engaged instead of standing around.

As I’ve mentioned before, maybe more time with the second unit could lend itself to generating more play making opportunities for him.

Stats as of Dec. 23 before the Cavs played the Hawks