I wouldn’t expect Dante Exum to be suiting up anytime soon but there’s some good news for the Australian National team and Utah Jazz fans. Dante has been cleared to participate in non-contact basketball activities.
Dante has been putting up jump shots prior to NBA games recently and now he has been cleared for non-contact practice drills he will be able to work out, shoot and work with Jazz assistants.
Jazz head coach Quin Snyder noted than Exum’s rehabilitation is exactly where they expected it to be and the Jazz are excited for his NBA return.
“It’s good to see his demeanor,” Snyder said. “He made a comment the other day that ‘I feel like a basketball player, I haven’t felt like a basketball player since October.’
“I felt like he’s been rehabilitating, so it’s good to have him back.”
Jazz guard Dante Exum is cleared for non-contact drills. pic.twitter.com/DUBvX3fVDP
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) January 17, 2018
Exum has missed every game this season after undergoing left shoulder surgery. He first separated his shoulder in an Oct. 6 preseason game against Phoenix. His surgery was performed on Oct. 24 in Los Angeles to stabilise the AC joint.
The Jazz are hesitant to give him an official return date, but Dante hopes he will be able to come back just after the NBA All-Star break. Exum originally separated his shoulder against the Phoenix Suns in the preseason. He damaged ligaments in his shoulder and underwent surgery to repair the injury.
Exum has missed every game this season after undergoing left shoulder surgery. He first separated his shoulder in an Oct. 6 preseason game against Phoenix. Dane underwent surgery on the 24th of October in an attempt to stabilise the AC joint.
“I’m feeling good,” Exum told the Desert News.
“Obviously, it’s a tough situation I’m in right now, but I’m looking forward and just trying to get better every day.”
The 6-foot-6, 190-pound Aussie was coming off his best season last year, where he put up career-best numbers of 6.2 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Although many fans already label Dante as a “bust” it’s clear the Jazz have missed Exum’s presence more than anyone could’ve predicted. His defense, athleticism as well as his size and length at guard is something the team has lacked throughout the entire season.
“He’s making progress,” Snyder said. “It’s a long road. He’s made a couple laps around the track and he’s got to run a couple more, but I think having a chance to be back on the court, with a ball, gives you some enthusiasm.”
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
