Dante Exum
Last, but certainly not least, is Dante Exum. It may be somewhat risky to say this considering the slow start to his career thus far, but I truly believe that Exum is in store for a breakout year in which he’ll prove himself as Utah’s most valuable bench piece.
In last year’s Summer League and preseason, Dante looked primed for an exceptional season. His quickness was back, his craftiness and athleticism seemed in order and everything was going great. Then when he went down to a shoulder injury in preseason, everything changed. He was forced to miss nearly the entire year, and when he finally returned, it took him a while to adjust.
Fortunately, he looked pretty solid in the playoffs, particularly on defense, but he still had some issues with finishing at the rim, handling the ball and discovering his shooting touch. With a full and healthy offseason under his belt, though, along with a new contract and the confidence that the Jazz have his back entirely, the stage is set for Dante to have a huge year.
He’s been singled out as a top performer in offseason workouts and in training camp so far, so if he can put some of his loose ends together, he should be a force to be reckoned with this upcoming season. Quin Snyder and Exum himself have alluded to the possibility of a three-guard lineup featuring Exum at the three. If that’s already being discussed, it just goes to show that the organization feels he’s ready for big minutes and will provide him with them in any way necessary.
If Exum has that trust and continues to expand his game further, turning his raw skills into deadly weapons, then he’ll most certainly be a unique talent for the Jazz this upcoming season. One that will almost certainly then go on to be Utah’s top threat as a sixth man.
I’ve talked amply about Dante Exum being a potential Most Improved Player candidate this upcoming season, but who knows, perhaps if he shows those improvements, the Sixth Man of the Year Award could be in his reach as well.
Whether he’s considered for the league-wide award or not, I’m certain that if he takes the strides he’s expected to, then he’ll at a minimum be the Utah Jazz’s personal Sixth Man of the Year.