10
Nov
4 min read
Aussies in the NBA: Dante Exum
Dante Exum #0 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the Dallas Mavericks Media Day at Mavericks Training Center on September 30, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. Photo: Sam Hodde/Getty Images
Dante Exum plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA
- Fifth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft
- Olympic bronze medallist with the Australian Boomers in Tokyo 2020
- ABA League champion and All-ABA League Team selection with Partizan Belgrade in 2023
Danté Exum's journey from Australian prodigy to his NBA resurgence exemplifies resilience and adaptability in professional basketball. His unique path has taken him across continents and leagues, showcasing his versatile skillset and importance to the Australian Boomers.
Key Details
Name: Danté Exum
Age: 28
Team(s): Dallas Mavericks (current), Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, FC Barcelona, Partizan Belgrade
Position: Shooting guard / Point guard
Size: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight: 214 lb (97 kg)
Playing Style
Danté Exum's playing style is characterised by his excellent size for a guard, combined with impressive speed and agility. Standing at 6'5" with a 6'9" wingspan, Exum possesses the physical tools to be a disruptive defender against both guard positions. His length allows him to contest shots effectively and navigate through screens with ease.
Offensively, Exum's game is built around his ability to penetrate defences. His quick first step and long strides enable him to get to the rim swiftly, where he can finish with either hand or dish out to open teammates. While his outside shooting has been inconsistent throughout his career, Exum has shown flashes of improvement, particularly during his time in Europe.
Career
Exum's professional journey began with high expectations when the Utah Jazz selected him fifth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. As an 18-year-old rookie, he played all 82 games, showcasing his durability and potential. However, his early NBA career was marred by significant injuries, including a torn ACL that caused him to miss the entire 2015-16 season.
Despite showing promise in his return, Exum's time with the Jazz was marked by inconsistent playing time and further injuries. In December 2019, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he continued to struggle with health issues. After a brief stint with the Cavaliers, Exum found himself out of the NBA, leading to a pivotal decision to rejuvenate his career in Europe.
Exum's European adventure began with FC Barcelona in December 2021. Although his time in Spain was brief, it laid the groundwork for a successful season with Partizan Belgrade in 2022-23. In Belgrade, Exum flourished, averaging 13.2 points per game in EuroLeague play and helping Partizan secure the ABA League championship.
His impressive performances in Europe caught the attention of NBA teams, leading to a contract with the Dallas Mavericks in July 2023. Exum's return to the NBA has been marked by improved consistency and a more defined role, showcasing the growth he experienced during his time abroad.
On the international stage, Exum has been a key player for the Australian national team. He was part of the Boomers squad that secured a historic bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Australia's first-ever medal in men's basketball at the Games.
Five Fast Facts
- Exum was born in Melbourne, Australia, to American parents.
- He bypassed college basketball to enter the 2014 NBA Draft directly from high school.
- Exum played Australian rules football as a youth before focusing on basketball.
- He won the Spanish Cup with FC Barcelona in 2022.
- Exum set a career-high with seven made three-pointers in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in December 2023.
Career Highlights Timeline
2013: Participated in the Nike Hoop Summit, scoring 16 points for the World Select Team
2014: Selected 5th overall in the NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz
2015: Named to the Rising Stars Challenge roster during NBA All-Star Weekend
2018: Re-signed with the Utah Jazz on a three-year contract
2019: Traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers
2021: Signed with FC Barcelona, marking his entry into European basketball
2022: Joined Partizan Belgrade, leading to a successful EuroLeague campaign
2023: Won the ABA League championship with Partizan Belgrade Named to the All-ABA League Team Signed with the Dallas Mavericks, returning to the NBA
2024: Member of the Australian Boomers Olympic Games men's team in Paris
Danté Exum's basketball journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. From being a highly touted draft prospect to overcoming numerous injuries and reinventing himself in Europe, Exum has shown remarkable resilience. His successful stint in the EuroLeague with Partizan Belgrade not only revitalised his career but also enhanced his skillset, making him a more complete player upon his return to the NBA.
As Exum continues his career with the Dallas Mavericks, he brings a wealth of international experience and a renewed confidence in his abilities. His unique path serves as an inspiration to young players, demonstrating that setbacks can be overcome and that there are multiple routes to success in professional basketball.
With his blend of size, speed, and refined skills, Exum is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the NBA and potentially play a crucial role in future Australian national team campaigns heading into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
