#2 Exum’s status remains very questionable
As I mentioned in the opening, not every takeaway is rainbows and unicorns as there’s a bit of negative news as well.
There has been a lot of buzz about what Dante Exum could potentially bring to the team this upcoming season. If he’s finally able to contribute, he could be the key in unlocking Utah’s full defensive potential and adding an extra dynamic and athletic wing off the bench.
Unfortunately, at this point it looks like we’re still in a ‘more of the same’ mode with Exum, as his status during training camp is still very much up in the air.
The Salt Lake Tribune’s Eric Walden made mention of Exum being off on his own during Day 3 of training camp.
Early parts of training camp remain extremely disheartening for Exum fans. Worried it might be a while before they have much to be happy about. https://t.co/WBoePjlbSE
— Ben Dowsett (@Ben_Dowsett) October 3, 2019
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Tony Jones noted that he feels the Jazz will be quite cautious with Exum as he was solely working on his shot without jumping or moving before or after at the latest practice.
Get the sense that the Jazz are going to be very cautious with Exum. He was shooting today just on balance. No jumping, no moving before or after the shot. Just form and balance
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) October 3, 2019
In some ways this is concerning, but in other ways it’s to be expected. Exum is coming off a torn patellar tendon injury and subsequent surgery, and his injury history isn’t exactly favorable. Therefore, it’s obvious why the Jazz would lean towards playing it safe with Dante rather than forcing him into any unnecessary risks. These precautions could very well be little to worry about, and perhaps Exum will instill confidence in his fanbase during preseason.
Then again, if he’s not getting much contact or other motion reps in at practice, it’s entirely possible that he’s not yet suited to safely participate in such competition. Or, perhaps he is, but the Jazz will opt not to risk it and err on the side of caution.
Quin Snyder said he knows who Dante Exum is as a player and that he can afford to be patient with him in the preseason
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) October 3, 2019
Whatever the decision is regarding Exum’s preseason status, the fact of the matter is that as of right now it’s a fair assumption that he’s still being limited in what he can do. And until he’s able to prove otherwise, it’s likely a good idea to rein in expectations for the time being. Dante may still yet have a prolific comeback year in 2019-20, but don’t be surprised if he’s initially used sparingly and cautiously until there’s enough confidence that he can hold his own and remain healthy.