Is Collin Sexton being developed to replace Jordan Clarkson or is something bigger afoot?

Collin Sexton has not started a game for the Utah Jazz since the 124-122 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, coming off the bench for the next four games. Coincidently, one game prior against the Boston Celtics was the last time sixth-man Jordan Clarkson played for the Jazz before getting injured. Sexton then moved to the bench after the Hawks loss, and since then has basically played and shot the same amount prior to his "benching."

He's been averaging 16.4 shots per game in March, which is about what he's putting up while coming off the bench. His minutes are largely the same as well, if not a tad higher since his benching. So clearly this isn't a move done because the Jazz don't feel that Sexton isn't playing well. After all, he'd be seeing a reduction in plays called for him, fewer minutes, or just not seeing the court at all.

There are a lot of things that aren't happening to Sexton that would be if he were being phased out of the team's lineup. More than likely this is actually about giving the bench some scoring with Clarkson out but it may also serve a more major purpose, getting Sexton used to his new role.

Sexton seems suitable for playing the sixth-man role, something we've advocated for a good chunk of the season. With the Jazz set on seeing if Keyonte George can be made into a winning player, and the team needing more help on the perimeter both offensively and defensively, Sexton may be forced to take on Clarkson's old role for the 2024-2025 season. Clarkson is likely to be traded this offseason, and quite honestly needs to be if the goal is to get George minutes.

If and when the trade comes, the Jazz will need someone to take his place and Sexton seems more than ready to be that guy.