As the Utah Jazz gear up for another playoff run, they will now have to continue navigating the rest of their season without one of their contributors off the bench.
According to Deseret News’ Eric Woodyard, an MRI revealed that guard Dante Exum suffered a partially torn patellar tendon and will be sidelined indefinitely.
Dante Exum is out indefinitely after an MRI revealed a partially torn patellar tendon in his right knee.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) March 16, 2019
Dante Exum had already been sidelined for an extended period, having last suited up for the Jazz in a January 5 matchup against the Detroit Pistons before returning less than a week ago against Oklahoma City. Exum suffered this latest setback during Utah’s recent win over Memphis and the MRI revealed the team’s biggest fears: a season-ending injury.
This will be Exum’s second consecutive season in which his campaign has been cut short due to a serious injury. The Australian combo guard missed almost all of last season with a shoulder injury and will now also remain out with a torn patellar tendon.
Exum has proven to be a viable bench option over the years, but the man Utah drafted fifth overall in the 2014 draft has never really panned out as many had hoped. Injuries have derailed his young career and with the meteoric emergence of Donovan Mitchell, Exum has been relegated to a lesser role.
There’s still hope for Exum to bounce back, however, as he’s only 23 years old with five years of experience in the NBA. Exum signed a three-year deal with the Jazz this past offseason.
