Dante Exum, a talented basketball player, has made a triumphant return to the NBA, signing with the Dallas Mavericks. His recent outstanding performances have significantly contributed to the team’s success. In this article, we’ll delve into what happened to Dante Exum during his time away from the NBA and who he is as a player.
What Happened to Dante Exum?
Dante Exum’s journey back to the NBA is nothing short of remarkable. After spending two years playing overseas, he made his comeback by signing a minimum contract with the Dallas Mavericks during the offseason. In a recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Exum delivered a jaw-dropping performance, scoring a career-high 26 points and sinking seven 3-pointers. What’s particularly impressive is that Exum, renowned for his defensive skills, displayed significant offensive prowess.
These recent performances have been instrumental for the Mavericks, who were missing key players like Kyrie Irving. With Exum in the starting lineup, the team has secured four consecutive victories, and they currently boast a 15-8 record, placing them third in the Western Conference. If Exum can maintain this level of play, the Mavericks might emerge as formidable championship contenders, potentially resulting in a substantial pay raise for Exum in his next contract.
Who is Dante Exum?
Dante Exum is an Australian professional basketball player currently representing the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. His journey in the league began in 2014 when he was drafted by the Utah Jazz. Standing tall at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 214 pounds, Exum excels as both a shooting guard and point guard.
His basketball prowess extends beyond the NBA; he has also made valuable contributions to teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, FC Barcelona, and Partizan NIS Belgrade. Furthermore, Exum has achieved international success, including winning a bronze medal with the Australian national team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His versatility, athleticism, and skill set make him a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court.
| Full Name | Dante Exum |
| Birth Date | July 13, 1995 |
| Birthplace | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Height | 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 214 pounds (97 kg) |
| Position | Shooting guard / Point guard |
| High School | Thomas Carr College (Melbourne, Victoria)
Lake Ginninderra (Canberra, ACT) |
Dante Exum’s Age
As of now, Dante Exum is 28 years old. Born on July 13, 1995, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, he has had a diverse and accomplished career in professional basketball. His journey in the NBA commenced in 2014 when he was selected as the 5th overall pick by the Utah Jazz. Over the years, Exum has played for various teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, FC Barcelona, Partizan Belgrade, and his current team, the Dallas Mavericks. Throughout his career, he has earned accolades such as being a part of the ABA League champion in 2023 and receiving recognition as a member of the All-ABA League Team in the same year.
Early Life of Dante Exum
Dante Exum’s early life was marked by a profound passion for basketball. Growing up in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, he displayed his talent by playing junior basketball at the Keilor Basketball Association. Exum’s educational journey led him to attend Thomas Carr College in Melbourne and Lake Ginninderra in Canberra. Simultaneously, he honed his skills at the Australian Institute of Sport. Exum’s talent truly came to the forefront when he participated in the Nike Hoop Summit in 2013, playing a pivotal role in the World Select Team’s victory.
Instead of pursuing college basketball, Exum decided to enter the NBA draft in 2014, and he was selected as the 5th overall pick by the Utah Jazz. His early career highlights also include a successful stint with the Australian National High School Basketball Championships, contributing significantly to Lake Ginninderra’s championship win in December 2013.
Dante Exum’s Basketball Career
Dante Exum’s basketball career has been characterized by versatility and international triumphs. Born in Melbourne, Australia, he bypassed college basketball to join the NBA, where he was selected by the Utah Jazz as the 5th overall pick in 2014. Exum displayed immense promise from the outset, playing in all 82 games during his rookie season and earning a spot in the 2015 Rising Stars Challenge. Despite facing challenges like an ACL tear in 2015, he exhibited resilience and returned for the 2016–17 season.
Throughout his NBA journey with the Jazz and later the Cleveland Cavaliers, Exum showcased his skills as a guard. His career also includes stints with FC Barcelona and Partizan Belgrade, contributing to the ABA League championship in 2023. Renowned for his impact on both ends of the court, Exum continues to make significant strides in professional basketball, currently playing for the Dallas Mavericks.
Dante Exum’s Family
Dante Exum hails from a sports-oriented family. His immediate family includes his older brother, Jamaar, and his twin sister, Tierra. Their father, Cecil, achieved basketball success by winning an NCAA championship in 1982 while playing for the University of North Carolina, alongside legends like Michael Jordan and James Worthy.
Cecil’s basketball journey continued as he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1984. He later settled in Australia, contributing to teams in the National Basketball League (NBL). Dante’s mother, who also attended North Carolina, further strengthens the family’s connection to basketball.
Notably, Dante is an avid supporter of the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League, showcasing his diverse sports interests. His strong connection to basketball is evident through his father’s legacy and personal choices, such as wearing Essendon-inspired shoes during the 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend.
What Happened to Dante Exum – FAQs
- What team did Dante Exum recently sign with in the NBA? Dante Exum recently signed a minimum contract with the Dallas Mavericks during the offseason.
- How did Dante Exum perform in a recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers? In a recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Dante Exum had an exceptional performance, scoring a career-high 26 points and making seven 3-pointers.
- How have Dante Exum’s recent performances impacted the Dallas Mavericks? Dante Exum’s recent performances have been crucial for the Mavericks, contributing to the team’s success with four consecutive wins and a 15-8 record, ranking third in the Western Conference.
- Which key player have the Mavericks been missing, and how has Exum filled that gap? The Mavericks have been missing key players like Kyrie Irving, and Dante Exum, with his stellar performances, has played a vital role in compensating for their absence.
- Which teams did Dante Exum play for before joining the Dallas Mavericks? Before joining the Dallas Mavericks, Dante Exum played for various teams, including the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, FC Barcelona, and Partizan Belgrade.
