Disappointment #3 – Injuries to Dante Exum and Ed Davis
Of course, one of the most frequently disappointing occurrences to take place in any sport is injury. The Utah Jazz are no strangers to the injury bug, and it’s bitten them already. First and foremost, it’s been frustrating to see the continued health issues of Dante Exum.
His battles with injury are well-chronicled, so it was expected that the Jazz would be cautious and patient with him. But even through the first 10 games of the season, things have gone from hopeful to disappointing with him very quickly. During preseason, there was speculation that he could be ready to go for the regular season opener. That, of course, has long since passed with Exum remaining unable to suit up.
Next, it was presumed that he could be back for the Jazz’s battle against the Milwaukee Bucks last Friday. That obviously didn’t happen either, though. And Tuesday will mark four days and two more games played since then that Dante hasn’t been able to be in action.
We’ll see if he’s able to go for the Jazz’s following bout on Friday in Memphis, but considering the lengthy delays we’ve already experienced, I’d encourage Jazz fans not to hold their breath. Once he is finally back, expect significant load management, rest and caution to be exercised. Even if the Jazz do luck out and get the true Dante Exum back sometime this year, don’t expect it to be for several months still.
Injury to Exum has become almost expected, though, so the even more disappointing injury news came regarding Ed Davis. Ed Davis was brought over with the expectation that he could help soften some of the blow of losing Derrick Favors as he would play most of Rudy Gobert‘s backup minutes. In his first games in action, he did just that by bringing energy, hustle, rebounding and a defensive presence that was much improved from the preseason, making it look quite promising.
Unfortunately, just six games into the season, Davis suffered a leg fracture that will hold him out for upwards of a month if not far more. Davis’ acquisition was a reason for much celebration among Jazz fans, but unfortunately he disappointingly hasn’t been allotted the opportunity to prove his worth. Ideally, he can make a quick recovery and be back out their grabbing offensive boards and swatting shots away with ease for Utah’s second unit.
All in all, it’s hard to find much to complain about regarding Utah’s 7-3 start. Sure, there have been some roadblocks here and there, but for the most part I’d say they’ve displayed more good than bad and are on an encouraging trajectory to post a sensational season.