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Utah Jazz: Ranking the last 10 first-round picks

By Corey Rausch

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz talks to Donovan Mitchell #45 against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz talks to Donovan Mitchell #45 against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Utah Jazz (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
Utah Jazz (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

9. Dante Exum (2014)

One of the few high lottery picks on this list, Dante Exum had a way of teasing potential before the letdown of a major injury. He actually appeared in every game during his rookie season but then would only eclipse 42 games once more over the next five seasons. His rookie season showed some promise and he finished with averages of 4.8 points, 2.4 assists and 1.6 rebounds. The team 24-17 with him in the starting lineup and 14-27 with him coming off the bench. While the numbers did not jump off the page the impact was felt.

Then the injuries started. He would tear his ACL in international play prior to his second season and would miss the entire year. He would appear in 66 games in his return season and then it seemed to go downhill even more.  Shoulder surgery prior to the 2017-2018 season would keep him out of action until March but he would re-sign with the Jazz that summer. Ankle issues would limit him that season and he ultimately tore his patellar tendon, limiting him again to just 42 games.

Related Story. Jazz: Stockton dominated advanced metrics well before Gobert. light

The Jazz would finally pull the plug in the middle of this season, after Exum only appeared in 11 games. Out of the rotation for a team with lofty goals, Exum was sent to Cleveland (along with two future second-round picks) to bring back Jordan Clarkson.

Exum had the makings of an elite passer and defender for his position but injuries have really limited what he could be. Unfortunately Marcus Smart went right after him and could have fit the team perfectly. The gamble made sense. Sometimes it just does not pay off.

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