Dante Exum has torn ACL, admit Jazz

Utah radio host Tim Montemayor claimed on Twitter yesterday that Exum was initially diagnosed with a torn ACL before heading to Utah for further medical evaluation.

There’s no word on how long Exum will be out, and according to Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey, discussions about bringing someone in to replace Exum haven’t happened yet.

Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum could be facing up to one year on the sidelines, after sustaining a left-knee injury on global duty with Australia.

“We are continuing to work closely with our medical staff, Dante and his representation in order to reach an accurate diagnosis and recommended treatment so that we can provide him with the best possible care”.

The 20-year-old suffered the injury while representing Australiain an global friendly against Slovenia in Ljubljana. The Jazz’s chances at a playoff spot in the West may not change too drastically – that was always going to be a struggle – but the timetable for internal development we’ve heard so much about has just suffered a huge delay.

Now Exum could end up missing the entire 2015-16 because of the injury.

Exum, the fifth pick in the 2014 National Basketball Association Draft, averaged 4.8 points and 2.4 assists last season. Newly signed Brazilian point guard Raul Neto may have to play a crucial role now, unless the Jazz look to sign a replacement for Exum in the near future.

Trey Burke will doubtless regain his beginning position for the Jazz after dropping out to the rookie final season.

Burke made strides on defense last year and especially benefited from playing more minutes with shot-blocking center Rudy Gobert behind him after Utah dealt Enes Kanter at the trade deadline.