Utah Jazz 2016-17 season review: Dante Exum
By Adam Coffman
Moving Forward
Exum’s rookie contract extends through next season, after which he’ll be due a $6.6 million qualifying offer from the Jazz. Assuming he declines it, he’ll enter restricted free agency, where Utah can match any offer he would receive from another team.
It’s clearly in the Jazz’s best interests to develop him as a future contributor, as they could control his services for up to the next six seasons should they wish to.
However, it will be difficult for Utah to evaluate Exum on such a short time frame. Most players drafted in his class, such as Marcus Smart, who was taken with the pick directly after Utah’s in 2014, have become more prominent figures on their teams, while others have fizzled out.
It remains to be seen which group Exum will fall into, which is just the problem for the Jazz. Throwing a larger contract at him could be disastrous if he doesn’t pan out, while letting him walk could mean giving up on a future star.
Related Story: Exum putting it together down the stretch
Heading into his age-22 season, it’s time for him to start turning potential into production. He can do that first by improving his jump shot with work over the summer. It’s important to remember he really hasn’t had an offseason to develop as an NBA player, what with his injuries and international commitments in years prior.
After that, along with some time in the film room, the game should start to slow down for Exum. His services might not be needed in a larger capacity next year, but there’s no doubt that his time will come.
Next: Five options for the Jazz's 30th overall pick
We’ll continue to recap the seasons of more of the Jazz’s roster over the coming weeks.