Dante Exum
Dante Exum is a sad, but also curious case. Like Joe Ingles, Exum came from Australia but only in this case, Exum was a teenage rookie. He had great upside, and like with Ingles, came in with a penchant for great perimeter defense. Yet, as time went on, Exum’s expected offensive set didn’t develop.
His shooting was never there when he was with Utah, and then the injuries came. He’s only hit 80 games once, 60 games twice, and 40 games three times in his career. That means that only three, of seven pro seasons in the NBA, saw him hit half a season.
After being dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Exum failed to showcase any real improvement, and the team opted to move on from him. He would end up signing with FC Barcelona of the Liga ACB, and later with KK Partizan of the ABA; both leagues being part of the EuroLeague.
While in Europe, he improved his three-point shot tremendously, shooting 42% from behind the line during his two seasons. Now, at 28, he’s healthy and returning to NBA via the Dallas Mavericks.
We’re hoping Exum finally lives up to his lofty hype.