Dante Exum matures in the NBA, providing a significant lift for the Boomers as they prepare for the Paris Olympics.

April 08, 2024

Dante Exum matures in the NBA, providing a significant lift for the Boomers as they prepare for the Paris Olympics.

Fortunes seem to be favoring the Australian playmaker as he cements his position among the elite basketball players globally.

After a decade-long journey, Dante Exum has finally achieved success in the NBA, a development that couldn't have come at a better time for Australia's Boomers.

His formidable perimeter defense and adept playmaking have played crucial roles, particularly in bolstering the bench for the rapidly ascending Dallas Mavericks. Shooting at an impressive 50% from beyond the arc only adds to his value.

However, the pivotal moment that affirmed the 28-year-old's place among the world's top basketball players occurred during Sunday's game against the Houston Rockets.

With just two seconds remaining and the Mavs trailing by three points against their Texan rivals, Exum found himself with possession under immense pressure from the swarming Rockets defense, courtesy of a pass from Dallas' star player, Luka Dončić.

Positioned on the right side of the court just outside the three-point line, the Australian calmly released the shot as the clock dwindled. With the buzzer sounding and the net swaying, Exum, hailing from Melbourne but having traversed through Utah, Cleveland, Spain, and Serbia, made his mark.

Following the thrilling 147-136 overtime triumph, Kyrie Irving rallied the players and team owner Mark Cuban to the center of the court for a celebratory gathering. The focus of the jubilation was primarily on their resilient Australian player, whose fortunes seem to have finally taken a turn for the better.

Amidst cheers and enthusiastic gestures, with players enthusiastically slapping Exum on the back, both the team members and the entire Mavericks organization demonstrated their unwavering belief in the unassuming Australian. Coach Jason Kidd emphasized that trust was pivotal in securing the victory. Kyrie Irving echoed this sentiment, expressing full confidence in Exum, stating, "The fundamentals displayed by Dante when he had to make the shot – his balance, readiness to shoot – were perfectly aligned for the moment."

Exum found himself unexpectedly sent by the Mavericks PR representative to the post-match press conference podium, typically reserved for the standout performer of the night—a testament to his significant impact. He emphasized the immense support he received from Irving and Dončić, labeling it as crucial.

"The encouragement from Kyrie and Luka means a lot," he remarked. "After a missed shot, they're there, urging you to take the next one. In those critical moments, when you know you have to deliver, it's a reminder of the unwavering support they've always shown."

Earning the trust of his Mavericks teammates hasn't been easy for Exum, considering he entered the hyper-competitive NBA scene as a relatively unproven outsider. However, within the national team, he has long been recognized as a valuable contributor.

Having made his debut at the age of 18, Exum has consistently played a complementary role during the Boomers' successful endeavors, particularly during their "rose gold era." Notably, he played a significant 20 minutes as Australia triumphed over Dončić's Slovenia in the bronze-medal playoff at the Tokyo Olympics, averaging nine points throughout the tournament. Similar circumstances arose during the 2023 World Cup, where he found himself behind Patty Mills and Josh Giddey in the rotation, yet still managed to contribute effectively in limited playing time.

Mills has encountered challenges securing playing time in the NBA this season, while Giddey has experienced fluctuations in his performance. In contrast, Exum has been in the form of his career, showcasing remarkable improvement in his shooting and defensive skills. As a result, he is poised to play a crucial role in Australia's pursuit of another medal in the upcoming Paris Olympics. However, this success has been the culmination of a gradual and arduous process.

Exum, whose father is the renowned NBL star Cecil Exum, emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2014 draft. At the time, he was a slender and athletic playmaking guard with untested potential, known for his ability to defend multiple positions due to his size. Widely regarded as the top international player in the draft class, he was selected fifth overall by the Utah Jazz.

As one of the youngest players drafted at 18 years old, Exum faced a gradual adjustment period during his debut season in the NBA, where he managed to play in all 82 games. However, his career trajectory took an unexpected turn during the off-season when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee while representing the Boomers, Australia's national team. This injury set him on a challenging path that would severely test his resilience.

Just before his fourth NBA season, Exum's progress was hindered by a separated shoulder, further impeding any momentum he had gained with the Utah Jazz. His frequent appearances on the injury report led to speculation, with one Reddit user even questioning whether Exum might be considered the most injury-prone player in NBA history.

"I think everyone, when they first enter the league, has high hopes," Exum shared with CBS Sports last month. "I played 82 games my rookie season, and then didn't play a single game in my second season. So, it's definitely challenging to manage expectations."

Exum experienced a series of ups and downs, bouncing between Cleveland and Houston in 2021 and facing suggestions of a return to Australia's NBL, where he holds ownership in the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

However, he found stability during his stints in Spain and Serbia, where he managed to stay relatively injury-free. Last year, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks, a team in need of guard depth behind stars Dončić and Irving. His contract, valued at less than US$10 million over two years, is notably the most economical among regular contributors for the Mavericks.

Despite his modest contract, Exum has emerged as a crucial player for the franchise, particularly as they approach what seems like an imminent playoff matchup with the LA Clippers. In December, when filling in for Irving, Exum showcased his versatility by averaging 15 points and over four assists in 31 minutes per game, often tasked with both on-ball defense and offensive creation.

Exum's exceptional three-point shooting accuracy this season, boasting a 50% success rate from over 100 attempts, is particularly noteworthy. No other player has matched this level of efficiency with such volume. In critical moments of close matches, he has been even more impressive, converting eight out of 12 attempts. This proficiency hints at the valuable role he could play for the Boomers at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Despite facing challenges throughout his career, Exum maintains a positive outlook, expressing gratitude for the experiences gained along the way, which are likely to enhance his preparation for the Paris Games. Even after triggering an uproar in the American Airlines Center in Dallas, he humbly acknowledged that the atmosphere in European arenas presents a different level of intensity.

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