Danté Exum's Wrist Surgery Creates Extended Absence: Mavericks’ Plan to Fill the Void

Danté Exum’s wrist surgery leaves the Mavericks short-handed for three months. See how Dallas plans to fill the gap and adjust their backcourt rotation this preseason.

Photo via Rashad Miller

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks have confirmed that Danté Exum underwent successful surgery to address a right wrist injury he sustained earlier in training camp. A possible return timetable has yet to be confirmed by the Mavericks organization. However, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Exum is expected to miss approximately three months as he recovers.

Exum is coming off the most productive season of his NBA career, averaging 7.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 55 regular season games. His absence creates a notable gap in the Mavericks' backcourt rotation considering he was slated to be in the second unit. Head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the setback but emphasized that the team will embrace a "next man up" approach.

“With Danté sidelined, we’re looking at guys like Brandon Williams and Spencer Dinwiddie to step up and fill those minutes,” Kidd said. “It’s unfortunate, but we have depth, and guys like Jaden Hardy will also have the chance to contribute more.”

For perspective on how many games Exum could miss, using a three-month timetable from today, Oct. 9, would carry through Jan. 9. On that day, the Mavericks will host the Portland Trail Blazers, marking their 36th scheduled game of the regular season. Additionally, whether the team participates in the NBA Cup or not, there will be more games added to their schedule in early December, pushing the number of potential missed games during this window to almost half the season.

Though Exum is facing a lengthy recovery, the team remains optimistic about his eventual return. The Mavericks will have to navigate the start of the regular season without Exum, but they are hopeful that their depth can overcome his absence.

How Will Mavericks Approach Exum’s Absence?