The Dallas Mavericks have suffered another injury blow, with backup guard Dante Exum set for a stint out after sustaining a ‘serious’ injury in training camp.
The 29-year-olds injury was announced by Shams Charania of The Athletic, and is another setback for the Australian who has had an injury plagued career to date.
It is also a source of frustration to Jason Kidd and the Mavericks, who also have superstar Luka Doncic suffering from injury issues ahead of the season.
What is Dante Exum’s injury? And how long will he be out for?
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What is Dante Exum’s injury?
Dante Exum is said to have suffered a serious wrist injury during the Dallas Mavericks’ preseason training camp.
Dallas Mavericks G Dante Exum has sustained a serious right wrist injury that could require surgery, sources tell @TheAthletic. Treatment options are being evaluated for Exum, who emerged as a key reserve guard on Mavs NBA Finals run last season. Tough early season blow for Mavs. pic.twitter.com/NZXqc0UET8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 4, 2024
It is not known exactly how Exum sustained the injury.
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How long will Dante Exum be out?
The Mavericks themselves have not made an official statement on the injury, so there is no definitive timeline on when Exum could return.
However, it is said to be a serious enough injury that it may require surgery, with the Mavericks ‘considering treatment options’ according to sources.
This indicates he probably will miss the season opener later in the month, and may miss the first lot of games for the Dallas Mavericks as they look to recover from losing in last season’s NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.
If he was to miss significant game time, it would be a cruel twist of fate for the Australian, who has battled an injury ravaged career to play a key role off the bench for the Mavericks in their finals run, and also represented Australia at the Paris Olympics.
Dallas Mavericks upcoming schedule 2024-25
After training camp in Las Vegas, the Mavericks will play four preseason games in preparation for the upcoming season. Dallas’ season opener comes on Oct. 24 against a Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio team.