Jazz's Dante Exum diagnosed with torn left ACL
Utah Jazz point guard Dante Exum has been diagnosed with a torn ACL in his left knee, the team announced. There is currently no timetable for his return.
"First and foremost, our overriding concern is with Dante and his long-term health," said Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey. "We are continuing to work closely with our medical staff, Dante, and his representation in order to reach an accurate diagnosis and recommended treatment so that we can provide him with the best possible care. We all know how hard he will work to make a full recovery and look forward to his return to play."
Exum sustained the injury while playing for Australia in an international friendly against Slovenia in Ljubljana. The 20-year-old came up limping after a jump stop in the lane.
Initial reports suggested that on-site doctors diagnosed Exum with an ACL tear, but the Jazz flew him back to the U.S. for further testing. Their team doctors confirmed the diagnosis Thursday.
In the wake of Exum's injury, the Australians will turn to Matthew Dellavedova to take on a greater share of scoring and playmaking responsibilities. The Boomers can secure an Olympic berth by defeating New Zealand in the upcoming Oceania Championship.
However, the full brunt of Exum's absence will be felt by the Jazz, who are woefully thin at point guard. Exum struggled with his shooting and playmaking in his rookie season, but served as the point-of-attack defender for the league's stingiest outfit after the All-Star break.
| Scenario | Defensive Rating |
|---|---|
| Exum On | 102.2 |
| Exum Off | 107.6 |
| Jazz (pre-ASG) | 106.1 |
| Jazz (post-ASG) | 94.8 |
Perhaps most importantly, the Jazz are staring down the very real possibility of losing a full season of potential development for their 2014 fifth overall draft pick. Though his speed and raw ability are undeniable, and he showed brief flashes of his vast potential last season, it's still far too early to know exactly what Utah has in Exum. This setback clouds the picture that much further.
Trey Burke will likely start in Exum's place. Burke is a downgrade in terms of size, athleticism, and defensive ability, but he's a better offensive player, if an extremely inefficient scorer.
Swingman Gordon Hayward could also take on a greater share of playmaking duties. Hayward averaged 4.1 assists per game and assisted on 21.7 percent of his teammates' baskets while he was on the court last season.