Dante Exum
I’ve already alluded to it, but this was supposed to be the year for Exum. When he was the recipient of a three-year, $33-million deal from the Jazz over the summer, it was a big-time show of faith by the franchise in their former No. 5 overall pick. Jazz brass clearly believed he could break out.
So far, though, Exum’s progress has only been incremental. Through 21 games, Exum is averaging a ho-hum seven points, two assists and two boards in 17 minutes per game. And some of the issues that have plagued his game since year one are either still firmly in place.
For starters, he still can’t shoot. Exum has connected on just 38 percent of his field goal attempts overall and is on a career-worst track from distance, hitting only 27 percent of his triples. His finishing continues to be a problem as well. Within three feet of the basket, he’s making 50 percent of his shots — another career low.
When you can’t really shoot from distance and your mid-range game is non-existent, you have to be able to capitalize better at the hoop.
Exum’s saving grace has been his defense. The Jazz allow just 102.9 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor, the best mark on the team. And while the offense as a whole hasn’t looked great when he’s been out there, he has impressed at times with his ability to create for his teammates.
All told, the Aussie has had some good moments, but the big break out still seems a ways out.
First quarter grade: C-