What happened to Dante Exum? Exploring Australian guard's "serious" injury as Dallas Mavericks dealt major blow
The Dallas Mavericks received a major setback on Friday as Dante Exum sustained a "serious" injury during the team's training camp in Las Vegas. With the 2024-25 NBA season just over two weeks from starting, the 29-year-old is now expected to be sidelined for an extended period.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Dante Exum suffered a serious right wrist injury that may likely require surgery.
"Dallas Mavericks G Dante Exum has sustained a serious right wrist injury that could require surgery. Treatment options are being evaluated for Exum, who emerged as a key reserve guard on Mavs NBA Finals run last season. Tough early season blow for Mavs," Shams said in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter).
The Mavericks refrained from providing any further update on Exum's extent of injury while the franchise asserted that further details will be "provided as appropriate.”
Exum became a key rotational player for the Mavericks last season under coach Jason Kidd. The 29-year-old, with seven seasons of NBA experience, delivered his best season to date with Dallas.
The Australian guard played 55 regular season games and averaged 7.8 points on 53.3 shooting from the field, including 49.1% from the three-point range. The former Utah Jazz player also recorded 2.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.
During the playoffs, Exum appeared in 21 games as the Mavericks advanced to the NBA Finals, where they fell in five games to the Boston Celtics. The 29-year-old averaged 6.8 minutes per game, contributing two points on 36.4% shooting from the field, including 35% from three-point range.
Dante Exum dislocated his finger earlier in the year
Dante Exum's career has been marred by injuries. From missing 22 games last season due to a foot injury to undergoing shoulder surgery in 2017, the talented guard has missed considerable time throughout his career.
The Australian star also dislocated his finger during an exhibition game against France ahead of the Paris Olympics. Despite that setback, the 29-year-old pushed through and played in three of Australia's four games at the Summer Games, averaging 11 points on 48% shooting from the field, including 28.6% from three-point range.
The Dallas Mavericks and their fans are hoping Exum won't be sidelined for a significant portion of the upcoming season. With the Western Conference loaded with contending teams, the Mavericks will need all their players healthy and in peak form to complete the unfinished business from last season.