Utah Jazz: Reasons why Dante Exum was re-signed
The Utah Jazz re-signed young guard Dante Exum to bolster their rotation and in hopes he will develop into their future point guard for years to come.
The Utah Jazz had an uneventful summer in comparison to other teams in the Western Conference. However, they did make the decision to bring back restricted free agent Dante Exum on a three-year, $33 million contract.
Exum, who was the team’s first round draft selection at No. 5 overall back in 2014, has always flashed potential as a long, athletic guard. However, ACL and hamstring injuries have derailed his career thus far and he hasn’t become a fixture at point guard like the team had hoped.
He played in all 82 games as a rookie, but that decreased to 66 the following year, and only 14 this past season. His career averages are 5.7 points, 2.2 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game.
But there’s still time.
At only 23 years old, Exum is fully healthy and ready to make good on his extension with the Jazz. Let’s look at a few reasons the Jazz opted to re-sign Exum, who’s more important to the organization than many realize.
Potential and ability
Talent has always been on Exum’s side. His measurables as a 6’6”, 190-pound point guard are a testament to that. He is very long and athletic and can get to the basket with ease. He is a great facilitator, especially off the pick-and-roll, where he can set teammates up or take it to the hoop himself.
One thing he must continue to develop is an outside shot. It will presumably get better with practice and experience, but it will make him a complete player when it does. There is no replacement for time on the court, and the injuries he has sustained put a roadblock in his early career.
The raw talent he has always possessed hasn’t gone anywhere, though. The Jazz bet on that when they decided to bring him back and continue to help him perfect his craft. This upcoming season could be the one in which he cashes in on his potential.
Building Depth
The Jazz were a playoff team last season and made it to the second round, ultimately losing to the Houston Rockets. It was a successful year and one they will build upon heading into 2018-19. A key to doing so is retaining their talent and ensuring they have depth at every position.
Bringing back Exum stabilizes the backup point guard position. Exum can also play the 1-3, defending all three positions well with his long frame and speed. His floor matched any of the other guys available in free agency, while his ceiling and potential were unmatched.
Along with forward Derrick Favors, Exum was brought back to keep their core intact and build further with the group at hand. Their starting lineup is unchanged, and they have established a solid bench rotation with players that have been in the system now for multiple years.
No big-name free agents were brought in, but that might not be necessary given Utah’s success last season and potential for further growth. They added a few additional pieces but they will allow their in-house youth to keep developing.
Future at point guard
The Jazz starting point guard, Ricky Rubio, has been fantastic for the team ever since he was acquired last summer. In his first season with the Jazz, he averaged 13.1 points, 5.3 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game, helping lead the team to the second round of the playoffs. Rubio, who is 27 years old, has undoubtedly entered his prime.
However, the upcoming 2018-19 season is his last under contract, and he is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Time will tell whether the Jazz re-sign him to a big deal, but the reality is Rubio will likely command a lot of money if he stays healthy and has another effective season.
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If Exum gives the Jazz good minutes as the backup point guard this season, that may factor into their decision about Rubio. If Exum takes a leap forward and shows he can be the guy, they may let Rubio walk and promote Exum as their starting point guard. After all, Exum was originally drafted to be their point guard of the future. That vision may have never disappeared.