Combo guard Dante Exum is expected to be active for the Utah Jazz when they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.
Answer: 64 days and counting. Question: How long has it been since Dante Exum took the court for the Utah Jazz?
It’s another in a long line of disheartening periods of inactivity for Exum, whose career continues to stall just when he seems to be gathering momentum. Every time the Jazzland masses look to get the hype train going for the former No. 5 overall pick, some major injury or another pops up and derails the movement.
However, the latest stretch of DNP-INJs is finally at its end.
Per the Jazz injury report on Sunday, point guards Ricky Rubio and Raul Neto will continue to miss time, but Exum — at long last — is expected to make his return when Utah tips off this week’s slate of games, barring any last-minute setbacks.
Exum is currently listed as probable to suit up against Russell Westbrook, Paul George and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.
Injury Report:
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 10, 2019
Tony Bradley - OUT (right knee surgery)
Danté Exum - PROBABLE (left ankle sprain)
Raul Neto - OUT (left hamstring tightness)
Ricky Rubio - OUT (left hip tightness)
Ekpe Udoh - PROBABLE (back spasms)
The 23-year-old, who was felled by a left ankle sprain and bone bruise, returned to practice as a limited participant late last month. In recent days, he finally received full clearance and was promptly assigned to the G-League’s Salt Lake City Stars to get a practice session in.
That would seem to indicate he’s officially back in effect. However, I’d continue to advise patience and tempered expectations with regard to his on-court impact over the next handful of games.
Look for the Jazz to continue to roll out a starting backcourt featuring Donovan Mitchell at the point and Royce O’Neale at the two spot when the Jazz welcome the Thunder into Vivint Smart Home Arena. Exum will likely be on a heavy minutes restriction as well.
Before the ankle injury, Exum was enjoying the best five-game stretch of his career. In the contests preceding his final, eight-minute appearance in Detroit, he averaged 13 points and six assists per game and boasted a 51-50-100 shooting line.
Over that span, the Jazz’s O-rating reached 125 when Exum was on the court and they outscored opponents by 19 points per 100 possessions.
Again, we should pump the brakes on expecting him to pick up right where he left off upon his return. But if he can get back up to speed in time for postseason play, the Jazz will absolutely be better for it.