Utah Jazz: Four moments to look forward to in 2018-19

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 2: Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz reacts after the game against the Houston Rockets in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2018 at Toyota Center in Houston, TX. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 2: Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz reacts after the game against the Houston Rockets in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2018 at Toyota Center in Houston, TX. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Utah Jazz Dante Exum
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 06: Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a play where he was hit in the mouth in the first half during Game Four of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)

Dante Exum finally logs his breakout game

Dante Exum‘s NBA career hasn’t exactly gone how he or Jazz fans might have hoped. Injury after injury has prevented him from living up to his sky-high potential.

However, assuming he can put that behind him, the stage is set for him to have an exceptional 2018-19 campaign. And much like Donovan Mitchell had his mind-blowing 41-point game last year that I formerly mentioned, I expect we’ll see a game from Exum this upcoming season where he likewise asserts that he belongs in this league.

It probably won’t be a 40-plus point outing, but I have a feeling that we’ll see a much-improved Dante and that he’ll find a fitting occasion to showcase his skills. Exum is already a solid defender and has the tools to be an incredible offensive player. If he finds a way to convert those base skills into actual weapons, opposing teams better watch out.

And I think at one point or another, we’ll see that “click” moment where it all comes together for Exum in a game this season. His current career-high in points is 22, which he logged on March 11, 2017 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Don’t be surprised if he easily eclipses that in a game this year.

Exum has been long overdue for a breakout season, but judging on the hefty contract the Jazz signed him to this offseason, they obviously believe that he’s on the cusp of achieving it. I’m anxiously awaiting the “light bulb” moment when he proves himself and all those that believed in him absolutely right.