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Mavs' Dante Exum Fully Participates in Practice, Possible Return Date Revealed

Originally posted on FanNation Dallas Basketball
By Grant Afseth | Last updated 2/24/24

DALLAS — Dante Exum will miss his 12th consecutive game when the Dallas Mavericks face the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night. However, he could return to action

After Saturday practice, Mavs coach Jason Kidd told reporters that Exum would not play against the Pacers but was a full participant. He ran with the second unit. He could play on Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers — the second of a four-game Eastern Conference road trip.

Exum is having a career-best year in his return after spending multiple seasons in the EuroLeague, averaging 9.2 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in 32 games. He's shooting 57.1 percent from the floor and 47.7 percent from beyond the arc. At one point, he solidified himself as a starter and was described by Kidd as playing "like a max player" earlier this season.

Whether Exum was playing on the wing next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving or serving as a guard in the backcourt with one or neither of those superstar talents, he's proven capable of being a fitting complementary piece and playmaker.

"Amazing, man. Honestly, he's been amazing so far," Doncic said of Exum earlier this season. "Not just really good, but amazing. His IQ is insane. He's driving to the basket. His layups, he's been hitting 3s. I'm really happy that he's on the team because he's been a great addition to our team."

What Exum's role will be after recent roster changes regarding playing time remains to be seen. However, his combination of playmaking, on-ball defense, improved shooting, and ability to attack the paint present plenty of options for the coaching staff when pondering different lineup combinations.

For an in-depth look at Exum's impact, check out my breakdown of what he's provided the Mavs this season on my YouTube channel.