Mavericks' Dante Exum: Out long term after wrist surgery
Rotowire
Exum is expected to miss three months after undergoing surgery on his right wrist Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Exum sustained the injury in training camp last week and doesn't look like he'll be ready to contribute until at least January after having surgery. After a two-year stop overseas, Exum returned stateside for the 2023-24 campaign and proved to be a useful complementary piece for the Mavericks, averaging 7.8 points, 2.9 assists and 2.7 rebounds over 19.8 minutes while shooting 53.3 percent from the field in 55 appearances. His absence for the first few months of the season could open up more playing time off the bench for Spencer Dinwiddie, Jaden Hardy and/or Quentin Grimes.
Exum sustained a right wrist injury during training camp that could require surgery, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Treatment options are being evaluated for Exum, though he could miss a significant amount of time due to the injury. The 29-year-old typically served as a spark off the bench last season, during which he averaged 7.8 points, 2.9 assists and 2.7 rebounds across 19.8 minutes per game in 55 regular-season appearances (17 starts). Exum could miss substantial time, and if he does Naji Marshall, Jaden Hardy and Quentin Grimes are candidates for extra minutes.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Practices fully for Australia
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Exum (finger) was a full participant Monday in the Australian national team's practice and is expected to be available for Tuesday's matchup with Canada in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Kane Pitman of ESPN.com reports.
Barring any last-minute setbacks, Exum should make his debut in Paris after he sat out Australia's 92-80 win over Spain in the Olympic opener for both teams Saturday. Exum previously dislocated his finger during an exhibition game against France last week.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Leaning toward playing Tuesday
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Exum (finger) is expected to be available to play for the Australian national team Tuesday against Canada in a Group A matchup at the Summer Olympics in Paris, Kane Pitman of ESPN.com reports.
Exum missed Australia's Olympic opener against Spain on Saturday due to a dislocated finger he suffered during an exhibition against France earlier in the month. The 29-year-old took part in contract drills Sunday without any issues, so he looks to be on track to play Tuesday. If available, Exum would compete with the likes of Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels and Patty Mills for minutes in a deep Australian backcourt.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Held out against Spain
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Exum (finger) did not appear in Australia's 92-80 win over Spain in the Paris Olympics on Saturday, BasketNews.com reports.
Exum is currently dealing with a compound dislocation of his finger but says he has been doing some workouts and is feeling good. After making a deep playoff run with the Mavericks in 2023-24, the 29-year-old could miss significant time in the Paris Olympics as Australia competes in a stacked Group A with the likes of Spain, Canada and Greece. Exum's next chance to suit up will come Monday in what should be a highly competitive matchup against Canada.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Likely out Saturday
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Exum (finger) is expected to miss Saturday's game against Spain, Eurohoops.net reports.
Exum fractured part of his right index finger against France in an exhibition and will likely miss Australia's opening match of the Olympics on Saturday. He's also doubtful for Tuesday's matchup versus Canada. Exum has avoided surgery and is expected to suit up for Australia at some point, but even if he does play, he'll likely be limited.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Hurts finger, should play in Paris
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Exum suffered a compound dislocation of one of his fingers Sunday in the second quarter of the Australian national basketball team's 83-82 win over France, the Australian Associated Press reports.
Fortunately for Exum, scans on his finger revealed no fractures, and the expectation is that the 29-year-old will be ready to go for Australian's 2024 Summer Olympics opening game against Spain on Saturday. Assuming Exum is able to play Saturday and experiences no setbacks during Australia's run during the Olympics, he shouldn't face any restrictions when he rejoins the Mavericks for the start of training camp in the fall.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Used sparingly in win
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Exum finished with zero points (0-1 FG), one rebound and one block across six minutes during Tuesday's 96-93 victory over the Clippers in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
Exum saw just six minutes off the bench despite an ankle injury to Tim Hardaway. The Mavericks opted to go with size over speed, resulting in an important victory. With so much flexibility across their roster, Exum's role could fluctuate significantly moving forward.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Not listed on injury report
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Exum (foot) is not on the official injury report and will be available for Game 1 of the opening-round series against the Clippers on Sunday.
Exum didn't play in the Mavericks' final game of the regular season since the training staff wanted him to rest a lingering foot injury before the playoffs. He shouldn't have any limitations for the series opener against the Clippers on Sunday and should see his regular minutes off the bench.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Won't suit up Sunday
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Exum won't play Sunday against the Thunder due to a right foot sprain.
This is likely a minor issue for Exum, as the Mavericks are holding out the bulk of their rotation for the season finale. Barring a surprise, Exum should be ready to roll for the playoffs.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Starting against Pistons
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Exum will start against the Pistons on Friday, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic are both being held out for rest, so Exum could potentially see a healthy workload Friday. As a starter this season, Exum holds averages of 13.8 points, 4.4 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 three-pointers.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Forces overtime vs. Houston
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Exum had 14 points (5-11 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds and two assists across 35 minutes during Sunday's 147-136 overtime win over the Rockets.
With Luka Doncic (ankle) back in the lineup Sunday, Exum returned to the bench. He was still able to score in double digits and play 30-plus minutes for a second straight game. Exum's biggest moment came in the final moments of the fourth quarter, when he drained a last-second three on a pass from Doncic to force overtime. Since returning from a 13-game absence due to knee issues, Exum is averaging 6.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists over 20.4 minutes per game.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Back to bench
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Exum won't start Sunday's game against the Rockets.
With Luka Doncic (knee) sidelined for the second half of a back-to-back set, Exum drew a spot start Friday versus the Warriors and posted 11 points and seven assists in 33 minutes during a 108-106 win. Exum should still play between 18 and 25 minutes off the bench Sunday.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Starting Friday
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Exum will get the start at point guard in Friday's game against the Warriors.
With Luka Doncic (knee) sidelined, Exum will get the spot start. The 28-year-old has averaged 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists across 29.1 minutes in 15 starts this season.
Exum closed with eight points (2-6 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes during Friday's 107-103 victory over Sacramento.
Exum's effort highlighted Dallas' depth at almost every position as he hit the clutch shot when it counted. While few can mimic Luka Doncic's production, Exum performed admirably during the All-Star's recent absences after rebounding from his own set of maladies. He's unlikely to find his way back into the starting lineup unless Doncic or Irving take a night off, but he'll provide support with the second unit down the stretch.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Suiting up Tuesday
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Exum (heel) is active for Tuesday's game against San Antonio.
Exum will suit up for his 11th consecutive contest Tuesday, and he has ramped up to averaging 21.0 minutes across his last four appearances. Dallas' rotation will be at full strength with the exception of Josh Green, who is set for an extended absence due to an ankle sprain.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Likely available Tuesday
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Exum (foot) is probable for Tuesday's game against the Spurs.
Exum continues to manage a right plantar fascia strain but should suit up for an 11th straight game. Over his past 10 appearances, he's averaged 5.4 points, 2.9 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 17.5 minutes per game.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Will play Sunday
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Exum (foot) is available for Sunday's game against the Nuggets.
Exum is available but will come off the bench, as Luka Doncic (hamstring) is returning from a one-game absence. Over his last nine appearances (one start), Exum has averaged 5.1 points, 3.1 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Plays 22 minutes as starter
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Exum finished Thursday's 126-119 loss to the Thunder with seven points (2-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and two assists in 22 minutes.
Exum started in place of the injured Luka Doncic (ankle), contributing offensively while ending three points shy of the double-digit mark. He briefly left the game due to a head injury but was able to return and finish the contest. Exum has started in 15 games this season, finishing with seven or more points in 13 outings. He has now tallied at least seven points and two dimes in two straight contests.
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Mavericks' Dante Exum: Starting against Thunder
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Exum will start Thursday's game versus the Thunder.
Luka Doncic (ankle) is being held out of Thursday's game, but he will be re-evaluated before Sunday's game against the Nuggets. In 14 starts this season, Exum holds averages of 14.5 points, 4.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 three-pointers.
