Danté Exum remains sidelined with a lingering right knee injury and has yet to make his season debut for the Dallas Mavericks as the team continues to navigate Kyrie Irving‘s absence.
The team continues to take a cautious approach to his recovery, with head coach Jason Kidd confirming before Saturday’s game against the Washington Wizards that Exum is still undergoing evaluation.
“That’s a great question,” Kidd told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “He’s getting re-evaluated, and we’ll see how that goes.”
Danté Exum’s Return Timeline Still Unclear
Exum, 30, has remained sidelined, including Saturday’s matchup in Washington. His next potential opportunity to return would be Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks, though there remains no clear timetable for his availability.
The veteran guard has not practiced since early in training camp and continues to be listed as out due to right knee injury management.
Exum averaged 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 20 games last season, providing Dallas with a blend of perimeter defense, secondary ball handling, and steady decision-making off the bench. His absence this year has been felt in both the backcourt rotation and the Mavericks’ defensive schemes.
Backcourt Depth Being Tested
With Exum unavailable and Irving (left knee surgery) still recovering, Dallas has leaned on other options to fill the guard rotation. Klay Thompson (illness) was also ruled out for Saturday’s game, leaving D’Angelo Russell as the team’s primary playmaker alongside Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams, both of whom have earned expanded minutes amid the injuries.
With Thompson sidelined, Kidd pointed to Jaden Hardy as another player who could provide an offensive spark off the bench.
“Ryan did a really good job for us [in Memphis],” Kidd said. “Hardy can give us a spark, too. With Klay out, that gives Hardy more minutes.”
Dallas Mavericks Continue to Manage Injuries
The Mavericks entered Saturday’s contest with six players on the injury report. Along with Exum, Irving, and Thompson, Anthony Davis (left calf strain) and Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain) remain out, while Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain) was upgraded to available after being a game-time decision.
Dallas (2–7) continues to search for rhythm after dropping four straight games and will look to regroup Monday when it returns home to host the Milwaukee Bucks.
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