NBA Injury Report Update & News: Dante Exum Has Torn ACL, Could Miss Entire 2015-16 Season
The Utah Jazz took a huge blow to their campaign in the upcoming 2015-16 NBA season, as reports revealed young point guard Dante Exum suffered a knee injury that could keep him out for the entire season.
Multiple reports revealed that Exum hurt his left knee while playing for the Australian national team in an exhibition match against home team Slovenia in Ljubljana.
According to ESPN, Exum drove to the lane and his knee buckled when he came to a stop without absorbing any contact from the player guarding him during the play. He was in deep pain and was brought to the locker room before returning to the bench later in the match with his knee heavily wrapped.
The Jazz released a statement, where they confirmed Exum sustained a knee injury but did not give any specific diagnosis because the Australian point guard will be reevaluated in Salt Lake City.
"Exum suffered a left knee injury today while competing for the Australian National Team in a game against the Slovenian National Team in Ljubljana, Slovenia," the team said in a statement. "Exum was initially treated on site and will now return to Salt Lake City for further medical evaluation by the Utah Jazz medical staff."
But while the Jazz did not give further details about the injury, Tim Montemayor of 1320-AM radio revealed that Exum was already diagnosed with a torn ACL, and that the upcoming examinations in Salt Lake City will just be some sort of formality.
Once the injury is confirmed, Exum will have to undergo surgery and will need at least six months to recover. While he could recover before the end of the upcoming season, the Jazz might take a cautious approach and decide to sit him out for an entire year to recover physically and mentally.
Jazz president Randy Rigby admitted that the injury could be a big blow to their campaign next season, but he insisted they have no regrets because allowing their players, particularly the young prospects, to play for their national teams will be vital to their development.
"I have been one who has kind of changed my attitude to be supportive of our players playing internationally," Rigby told Sydney Morning Herald. "Especially our young players. It's a good opportunity for them to really develop their game and continue their development."
The 6-foot-6 Exum, who was selected fifth overall by the Jazz during the 2014 NBA Draft, averaged 4.8 points on top of 2.4 assists and 1.6 rebounds in 82 games, including 41 starts, last season.
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