Dante Exum sustains non-contact knee injury, Jazz fear torn ACL

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Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images

Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum sustained a non-contact knee injury during a game in which he was playing for the Australian national team against Slovenia on Tuesday, and the Jazz fear that Exum, 20, may have torn his ACL.

 

Exum received treatment immediately after the injury occurred, and he is now slated to return to Salt Lake City for further evaluation, which will reveal the severity of the ailment. The Jazz fear for the worst though, as non-contact are never a good thing. In fact, they’re usually devastating. 

An injury to his ACL would shelve Exum for the entire season, which would be extremely disheartening to a playoff-hopeful Utah team. Exum did endure some hardships on the court during his rookie season, but that mostly stemmed from young age (he was 19 when on the Jazz’s opening night) and the steep learning curve that comes with not only becoming an NBA point guard, but player as well. Despite his struggles, the Jazz remain convinced that Exum is an integral part of their future, and many believe that this season could mark the beginning of Exum proving those that cling to this conviction correct. 

Exum averaged 4.8 points, 2.4 assists and 1.6 rebounds per game for the Jazz in his rookie season. We will be sure to bring you updates regarding his status as they are given to us. 

Update: August 6th, 8:45 PM ET

Exum underwent an MRI on his knee in Salt Lake City on Thursday which revealed that he did indeed tear the ACL in his left knee. 

The Jazz issued a statement regarding Exum’s devastating injury. 

“First and foremost, our overriding concern is with Danté and his long-term health,” said Utah Jazz General Manager Dennis Lindsey. “We are continuing to work closely with our medical staff, Danté 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.”

Utah selected Exum with the No. 5 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, and he started in 41 games. There is no timetable set for his return. 

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