Utah Jazz: Dante Exum assigned to G-League ahead of return

In preparation for his big return to the Utah Jazz, combo guard Dante Exum will spend some time with the Salt Lake City Stars.

To say that Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum has been missed this season would be putting it mildly. 2017-18 was supposed to be the year that Exum broke out; his declaration to the world that the Jazz were right when they drafted him No. 5 overall back in 2014. Instead, he’s watched from the sidelines while the Jazz band have morphed into one of the Association’s best teams.

Until now, that is. There were rumblings on Monday that Exum could return to action this week. 24 hours later, actual roster transactions have all but confirmed that his comeback is imminent.

Per an announcement from the Jazz on Tuesday, Exum has received a rehab assigned to the G-League’s Salt Lake City Stars. As part of the last stage in Utah’s return-to-play protocol, he’ll participate in a closed practice session with the Stars.

In other words, barring any last-minute setbacks, X gon’ give it to ya…this week.

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Exum hasn’t taken the court for the Jazz since an October 6 preseason bout with the Phoenix Suns. His shoulder was badly injured during the game as a result of a collision with Suns wing TJ Warren and ultimately required surgery.

As fate would have it, the Jazz play the Suns again this week.

It goes without saying that this is all great news for the Jazz. Although he’ll be a restricted free agent this summer, Exum is likely still considered an important piece for the team’s future. And given Raul Neto’s wrist fracture and an ever-tightening playoff race, the Jazz could use whatever Exum can give them right now.

This marks just the second time Exum has received a G-League assignment. He spent one day with the Stars in January of last year, but didn’t appear in any games. I wouldn’t expect him to suit up this time either.

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In 148 career games with Utah, he’s averaged 5.4 points, 2.1 assists and 1.8 rebounds per contest. Those are meager numbers, but Exum’s speed, length, athleticism and defensive instincts lead one to believe there’s still a mountain of untapped potential within him.