However, it was a costly victory for Australia after Exum went down, making him indefinite for Boomers’ worldwide campaign.
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The Utah Jazz are reportedly fearing that they may be without Dante Exum for the entire upcoming season after the point guard suffered a non-contact knee injury while representing the Australian National Team today, who were playing against the Slovenian National Team in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The 6-foot-5 point guard has shown potential in his first worldwide competition with the Boomers and has been an integral part of coach Andrej Lemanis’ squad.
Exum was driving into the paint and came to a jump stop in the middle of the lane when his left knee buckled. The Jazz announced that he will return to Salt Lake City for further treatment and a diagnosis.
Barring a trade or a late free-agency signing, third-year playmaker Trey Burke would fill in as the Jazz’s starter if Exum has to miss time.
If Exum’s injury is indeed a torn ACL, his ability to play at all in the 2015-16 National Basketball Association season would also be in question. Though he was oft-lauded for better than expected defense, the 6-foot-6 guard averaged only 4.8 points (on 34.9 percent shooting) with 2.4 assists and 1.6 rebounds.
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Exum returned to the Australian bench in street clothes with his left knee wrapped after suffering his injury Tuesday.
