Former Top Draft Pick Eyes New Opportunity
There’s no denying that Dante Exum has impressively rebuilt his NBA career. After spending time overseas to rebuild his game, the six-foot-five point guard returned to the NBA in 2023 with the Dallas Mavericks. Exum provided valuable minutes off the bench, averaging 7.8 points, 2.9 assists, and shooting a career-best 49.1% from three-point range during the 2023-2024 season. While his role wasn’t always as consistent due to injuries and rotation changes, his efficiency and poise stood out when he was on the court. As an unrestricted free agent this summer, the 29-year-old is looking to continue his resurgence with a new opportunity.
Exum was originally selected fifth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz, entering the league with high expectations as a lengthy, athletic guard from Australia. Injuries hampered much of his early NBA career, limiting his development during his time in Utah. After short stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and a few years away from the league, Exum found success in Europe, playing for FC Barcelona and Partizan Belgrade. During that time, he improved his decision-making, shooting, and on-ball defense, which caught the attention of NBA scouts once again. His overseas play proved he could contribute as a more polished and reliable guard.
As soon as he was back in the NBA with the Mavericks, Exum reminded fans and teams of his potential as a two-way player. He had stretches during his past two seasons in Dallas where he was an important part of Dallas’ guard rotation, particularly when Kyrie Irving or Luka Dončić were injured or resting. His ability to defend multiple positions and handle the ball in secondary playmaking roles made him a valuable asset in clutch minutes. Though injuries have slowed some of the momentum down, his shooting touch and basketball IQ have remained much improved from his earlier NBA years. Exum has reshaped his narrative, now viewed as a dependable veteran option rather than an unfulfilled draft pick.
Now officially resigned with the Mavericks on a one-year deal worth $2.3 million, Exum will look to build on the momentum from his return to the NBA over the last two years. His size, versatility, and newfound shooting ability could make him a key rotation player with the new roster around him. Whether he’s asked to play backup minutes or take on a larger role, Exum brings maturity and international experience to his new team. At 29, he still has plenty left in the tank and the tools to make a strong impact with the Dallas Mavericks
