Jazz's Exum: I'm 'fully recovered' from ACL surgery

Utah Jazz fans will be happy to hear Australian guard Dante Exum, the team's fifth overall pick from the 2014 NBA Draft, is ready to get back to work after sitting out the entire 2015-16 regular season.

"I just passed a year since my injury," Exum said in an interview with the National Basketball Players Association. "It's been a long tough year not being able to play, but I'm fully recovered now."

Exum, 21, was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee while competing for the Boomers in an international friendly against Slovenia in Ljubljana in August of last year.

He underwent successful surgery to repair the damage the following month, and was ruled unlikely to play for the Jazz as a result.

Exum suited up for all 82 games during his rookie campaign in 2014, averaging 4.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 22.2 minutes. His field-goal percentage of 34.9 was the worst of any first-year player to make at least 60 appearances.

Upon his return, Exum will likely be slotted in as the backup point guard in head coach Quin Snyder's rotation behind George Hill, who the Jazz acquired from the Indiana Pacers in a three-team trade July 7. He should also see playing time at the two spot, where he saw 21 percent of his minutes two years ago.