Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum only just returned from an ankle injury, but now finds himself shelved with yet another major setback.
If there’s ever been a player in the annals of Utah Jazz lore whose career has been more defined by massive injuries than Dante Exum, I’m unable to identify him.
Since joining the Jazz nearly five years ago, the former No. 5 overall pick has only appeared in 52 percent of his team’s games. That number suddenly seems destined to fall below the 50-percent mark this season.
On Thursday night, just three days after returning from a two-plus month absence due to ankle injury, Exum was forced out of action once again. Initially, the issue was simply described as right knee soreness. However, magnetic resonance imaging later confirmed that the 23-year-old had incurred yet another potentially devastating injury.
Per an announcement from the Jazz, Exum suffered a partial tear of his right patellar tendon. He’s now out indefinitely as he and the team work to find the best possible treatment solution.
Should they opt for surgery, he’ll be done for the season.
Not only that — he could also miss out on the 2019 FIBA World Cup, which will emanate from China in August and September. The 11th-ranked Aussie Boomers, who also feature the talents of fellow Jazzman Joe Ingles, have an outside shot at challenging for a medal.
Clearly, this is a horrible development for both Exum and the Jazz. Even if the decision is made to rehab the injury without going under the knife, this may put a wrap on yet another disappointing campaign for Exum, who inked a three-year, $33-million contract last summer.
That could put the Jazz in something of a bind at the point guard spot (again), where Ricky Rubio has been an inconsistent performer and back-up Raul Neto has his own checkered past with injuries.
In other words, not something you want to be dealing with during the final weeks of the playoff race.
After news of Exum’s diagnosis came down, several of his teammates took to Twitter with well wishes —
Praying for my guy @daanteee 🙏🏾🙏🏾 love you bro!! We got your back!!! https://t.co/tXGL8in9ZY
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) March 16, 2019
https://twitter.com/rickyrubio9/status/1106749577015640065
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In his 42 games played this season, Exum has averaged just under seven points and three assists per contest. He has also put up a 42-29-79 shooting line.
Aside from the latest setback, Exum has missed extended time with a left ACL tear, a shoulder separation and the aforementioned ankle sprain/bone bruise.
We’ll continue to provide updates on his status going forward as information becomes available.