2. An early Dante Exum return
This is related to health, but the Jazz could certainly benefit from Dante Exum returning to action sooner than expected. The electrifying guard looked absolutely sensational during summer league and preseason prior to his injury and one of the most exciting aspects of the upcoming year was going to be watching he and Donovan Mitchell play together in the backcourt.
Unfortunately, injuries derailed that wish and the Jazz have certainly missed his budding offense and playmaking ability. At times when Rodney Hood has been struggling or Utah’s offense hasn’t been able to find a rhythm, it’s been impossible not to wonder how beneficial Exum’s presence might have been.
Dante Exum, where art thou? I miss you and your quick step, your lobs to Rudy, and your two handed jams. #TakeNote @utahjazz @daanteee pic.twitter.com/m81t0SW9c4
— tyler cran (@tjcranman) December 12, 2017
The Jazz are in dire need of another weapon on offense and could certainly always use another savvy defender as Exum has proven to be, so hopefully his recovery can be accelerated and he’ll be back in action earlier than projected and in time for a playoff push. If Exum is able to come back strong and maintain any semblance of the play he exhibited prior to the season’s start, he could provide an incredible boost for the Jazz moving forward.