8) Dante Exum Is Years Away From Popping
Let me be clear — I kind of love Dante Exum. Even after blowing up his knee, that combination of speed, size (6-foot-6, 190 lbs.) and length (6-foot-9 wingspan) makes the 21-year-old one of the more tantalizing prospects in the NBA at the point guard position.
Having said that, Exum is clearly years away from even beginning to meet with his massive potential.
It’s hard to hear, but the proof is in the pudding. He continues to shoot poorly (just under 40 percent from the field, 29 percent from three), still doesn’t finish very well at the basket and has even been inconsistent defensively. On the whole, the Jazz are outscored by nearly five points per 100 possessions when he plays.
In other words, there’s a reason Shelvin Mack is taking his minutes.
I still love me some Exum. His ceiling remains sky-high and the Jazz must give him time on the court to develop. Nevertheless, fans looking for a quick payoff on the former No. 5 overall pick are going to be disappointed.
Next: No. 7