INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — The Cavaliers put aside their concerns about LeBron James’ future in Cleveland and tried to correct a mistake from last August.

With the eighth overall pick in Thursday night’s NBA draft, the Cavs selected freshman point guard Collin Sexton of Alabama.

The Cavs acquired the pick in last summer’s trade that sent Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics and they missed Irving tremendously in the NBA Finals, when they were swept by the Golden State Warriors.

James can opt out of the final year of his contract by June 29 and become a free agent. But Sexton had a message for James when interviewed by ESPN’s Maria Taylor.

“Man, LeBron, let’s do it,” Sexton said. “I see you need a few pieces. Let’s go back to the Finals. Let’s do it.”

Last season, when coach Tyronn Lue used 30 lineups, eight different players started at point guard. That included (in order) Derrick Rose, Jose Calderon, James, Iman Shumpert, Isaiah Thomas, George Hill, Rodney Hood and Cedi Osman.

Acquired from the Kings at the trade deadline, Hill, 32, was a disappointment in the playoffs, averaging 9.2 points and 2.2 assists in 29.3 minutes of 19 games.

Sexton averaged 19.2 points and 3.6 assists last season in leading the Crimson Tide to their first NCAA Tournament victory since 2006 before falling to eventual national champion Villanova.

Known for his elite speed and quickness and fearlessness attacking the basket, Sexton is an explosive leaper and finisher, which he can do with either hand.

Alabama had not had a player selected in the top 10 since Antonio McDyess went second in 1995.