Dante's injury inferno continues to plague career

• Dante Exum came back from injury in 2024-25 only for it to end early after he broke his hand
• Australian Boomer Dante Exum is a free agent in 2025
• Exum's role increased when the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers

Few Australian players have experienced the rollercoaster career of Dante Exum and 2024-25 was no different for the Boomers wing.

The Canberra-born Dallas Mavericks guard has transformed from a highly-touted draft prospect to an established NBA role player.

Exum, 29, came back from injury on January 1, 2025 after missing the first three months of the season, played just 20 games before breaking his left hand against the Grizzles on April 13, 2025. It ended his season.

From Australian Prodigy to NBA Veteran

Standing at 196cm and weighing 97kg, Exum possesses the physical attributes that have allowed him to compete at the highest level of basketball. Born on July 13, 1995, the now 29-year-old guard entered the NBA with significant expectations when the Utah Jazz selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

Exum's is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, where he honed his skills before making the leap to the NBA. His international pedigree includes representing Australia, where he helped secure a bronze medal for the Boomers.

He is an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

Breaking Down the 2024-25 Season

Analysing Exum's 20 games in the 2024-25 season provides insights into his role and effectiveness with the Mavericks. Throughout these appearances, Exum averaged about 18.6 minutes per game, splitting his time between starting (12 games) and coming off the bench (8 games).

His role increased when the Mavericks stunningly traded Luka Doncic for Los Angeles Lakers All-NBA First teamer Anthony Davis before the trade deadline in February 2025.

Scoring Efficiency

One of the most notable aspects of Exum's season was his shooting efficiency. Across 20 games, he made 64 of his 134 field goal attempts, posting a respectable 47.8% from the field. His three-point shooting was impressive, connecting on 23 of 53 attempts for a 43.4% success rate, well above the league average.

Exum's free throw shooting was solid, making 23 of 31 attempts (74.2%), though on relatively low volume (1.55 attempts per game).

The Standout Performance

Exum's finest moment of the season came on February 13, 2025, against the Miami Heat. Starting at shooting guard, he exploded for 27 points on exceptional 11-from-13  from the field, including 2-from-2 from three-point range and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. In 24 minutes, he added three rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block while committing just one turnover.

This performance showcased Exum's complete skill set and efficiency.

Playmaking Abilities

While primarily known as a two-way player, Exum demonstrated solid playmaking skills throughout the season, recording 56 assists (2.8 per game). Several games highlight his passing ability:

• On February 23 against the Warriors, he dished out five assists
• On February 6 against the Celtics, he recorded five assists alongside 15 points
• On March 3 against the Kings, he managed four assists despite struggling with his shot

This playmaking dimension adds value to Exum's on-court presence, particularly when his shooting isn't at its best.

Consistency and Role Fluctuation

One of the most evident patterns in Exum's 2024-25 season has been his inconsistent minutes and production. His playing time has fluctuated significantly, ranging from just 6:39 against the Rockets on March 14 to over 25 minutes in certain games.

This variation reflects both his changing role in the Mavericks' rotation and possibly the coaching staff's matchup-based deployment of his skills.

Scoring Variance

Exum's scoring was volatility throughout the season:

• Six games with 10 or more points
• Eight games with five or fewer points
• A 24-point difference between his highest (27) and lowest (2) scoring games

Defensive Contributions

Though defensive metrics were limited, Exum showed flashes of his defensive ability. Against the Hornets on February 27, where he recorded four steals and one block in just over 25 minutes.

Exum averaged 0.6 steals and 0.15 blocks per game. While these numbers don't immediately stand out, they represent a positive contribution on the defensive end, especially considering his limited minutes.

The Efficiency Paradox

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Exum's season has been the contrast between his impressive shooting percentages and his sometimes limited impact on games. Despite shooting nearly 48% from the field and over 43% from three, Exum had several games where his overall contribution was minimal.

This paradox may be explained by:

1. Limited shot attempts in some games (five or fewer field goal attempts in eight games)
2. Occasional turnover issues (four turnovers against the Kings on March 3)
3. Foul trouble in certain matchups (five fouls against the Spurs on March 10)

The Role Player Profile

At this stage in his career, Exum has settled into the role of a valuable rotation player for the Mavericks. His season statistics suggest he functions best as:

• An efficient scorer in limited minutes
• A secondary playmaker who can facilitate when needed
• A versatile guard who can play alongside ball-dominant stars
• A capable defender who can disrupt opposing backcourts

Key Performance Patterns

Several patterns emerge when analysing Exum's game log:

• There's a strong correlation between Exum's minutes and his overall production. In games where he played 20 or more minutes, he averaged 11.9 points, compared to just 5.0 points in games with fewer than 20 minutes.
• Exum performed slightly better in home games, shooting 49.3% from the field at home compared to 46.2% in away contests.
• As a starter, Exum has averaged 9.5 points and 3.3 assists per game, compared to 6.6 points and 1.6 assists when coming off the bench.

Looking Forward: Contract Year Implications

With Exum entering unrestricted free agency in 2025, the 2024-25 season takes on additional significance for his career trajectory. His performance will directly influence his market value and the types of contracts he might be offered.

The efficiency he displayed last season (47.8% FG, 43.4% 3PT) will certainly attract attention from teams looking for reliable guard play. However, questions about his health, consistency and optimal role might impact the length and value of his next contract.

For the Mavericks, Exum's free agency presents both an opportunity and a challenge. If he continues to perform efficiently in his role, Dallas may prioritise re-signing him. Conversely, a strong season might price him out of the Mavericks' plans if other teams make compelling offers.

Game Impact Beyond Statistics

While Exum's raw statistics provide insight into his performance, they don't tell the complete story. Several intangible factors enhance his value:

1. Positional versatility — Exum has started games at both point guard and shooting guard positions
2. Offensive spacing — His three-point shooting (43.4%) forces defenders to respect his range
3. Defensive flexibility — His size allows him to guard multiple positions
4. International experience — His time with the Australian national team brings a different perspective

These elements contribute to Exum's overall value to the Mavericks, even when his basic statistics might not jump off the page.

The Development Arc

Comparing Exum's 2024-25 performance to his early career highlights significant development in his game:

• Improved shooting efficiency from both inside and outside the arc
• More controlled playmaking with a better assist-to-turnover ratio
• Greater situational awareness on both ends of the court
• Acceptance and maximisation of his role within team structures

Dante Exum's Place in the Modern NBA

As the NBA continues to evolve toward position-less basketball with an emphasis on shooting, versatility, and defensive switchability, players such as Exum find themselves increasingly valuable. His ability to play multiple positions, shoot efficiently from distance, and contribute in various facets of the game aligns well with the modern NBA.

As Exum approaches free agency and potentially a new chapter in his career, his 2024-25 season with the Mavericks offers a compelling case study in player development, role acceptance, and the ever-evolving nature of basketball careers at the highest level.