The Dallas Mavericks have been hit with the injury bug many times this season. They are currently without star Luka Doncic, who suffered a calf injury on Christmas Day, and Kyrie Irving missed some time as well. Unfortunately for the team, they will continue to be without one more of their players for the foreseeable future. According to head coach Jason Kidd, guard Dante Exum still has no timetable for his return from injury.
Kidd: Dante Exum (wrist) without timetable for return.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) January 20, 2025
Exum, who had a resurgence last year after two seasons away from the NBA, has missed the entire year so far due to wrist surgery. At the time, the expectations were that he would return in around three months. However, his surgery was early in October, indicating that his recovery is taking longer than expected.
Dallas Mavericks Guard Receives Worrisome Injury Update
Dante Exum Is Still Progressing From His Injury Regardless
Despite not having a concrete return date, not all is bad for Exum. Earlier this month, Kidd said that the Australian native is making progress.
Jason Kidd’s latest update on Dante Exum:
“I think he’s out to the 3-point line shooting now. A lot of positives there. It’s just a matter of getting the scheduled appointment to check to see how the wrist is doing and go from there. He’s in great shape. He’s done a lot of solo…
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) January 11, 2025
Last season, Exum averaged 7.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He also shot 53.3% from the field and 49.1% from beyond the arc. Exum is a very valuable player on this Mavericks team, especially because he is also a good defender. Hopefully for the team, Exum can make his return sooner rather than later.
The Dallas Mavericks’ Roller Coaster of a Season
After making the NBA Finals last season, many had high hopes for the Mavericks. The backcourt duo of Doncic and Irving finally started to look dominant, and there were plenty of other talented players on the team as well. Halfway through the season, the Mavericks have gone through their fair share of ups and downs. Currently, they are 23-19 and own the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. Furthermore, they have already had multiple four-game losing streaks and a seven-game winning streak during the campaign.
Much of the Mavericks’ shortcomings are because of the injuries they have dealt with. Once they become fully healthy, the Mavericks should re-establish themselves as legitimate title contenders once again.
Additionally, the Mavericks are a team to monitor ahead of next month’s trade deadline. While nothing is imminent, the Mavericks do find themselves in the rumor mill. Recently, reports indicated that the Mavericks are open to trading big man Daniel Gafford, who they acquired from the Washington Wizards last year.
With the Mavericks right on the edge of the playoffs, it could make sense for them to make a move or two if it helps their chances of making another postseason run later this year.
