"Serious" Injury for Key Dallas Mavericks Reserve

This is not the way the Dallas Mavericks wanted to get ready for the season. They've lost a key bench piece, likely for a significant period, as former No. 5 overall pick Dante Exum has suffered "a serious right wrist injury that could require surgery."

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

Insider Shams Charania says various treatment options are being considered for Exum before they can determine the next course of action. He suffered the injury during training camp this past week.

Whatever the next steps in his recovery, it's certain that the Mavs will be without Exum for a while. In 55 games in his first year in Dallas, he averaged almost eight points per game in just under 20 minutes. He also shot 49% from three, and led the team in plus/minus on/off rating with a +12 last season.

He did miss 28 games, though, due to an assortment of issues, with right knee bursitis and a right plantar sprain making up most of that missed time.

His playmaking and versatility will be missed by Dallas for however long he's out.