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

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 the Dallas Mavericks Approach Danté Exum’s Absence?

Depending on how the Mavericks want to approach the rest of their bench unit, which is expected to involve Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall, Maxi Kleber, and Daniel Gafford, there may not be much room for backcourt options behind Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving despite Danté Exum’s injury. Dinwiddie and Hardy will need to earn their minutes, making it an important element to monitor throughout preseason.

The Mavericks signed Dinwiddie to a one-year, $2.1 million contract in August to reinforce their backcourt depth, particularly in the case of an injury. He’s capable of shouldering more offensive responsibility as a scorer and playmaker, making him an intriguing option to fill in for Irving or Dončić when one of them is injured. However, when both superstars are available and there’s an injury on the bench, Dinwiddie remains a viable option for the coaching staff to consider.

Dinwiddie’s adjustment has been simplified since he already has an understanding of what he described as being “85 percent” of the scheme from the last time he played under Kidd. “Oh yeah, I still probably know about 85 percent of the stuff,” he said. “Terminology is familiar, all that stuff. I mean, a couple of new wrinkles, with the zone and stuff. But part of being a vet is you pick up things quickly.”

It doesn’t hurt that he already has familiarity with Dončić’s tendencies, especially since he mentioned it took time to figure that out last time he was in Dallas. Dinwiddie also played with Irving on the Brooklyn Nets in the past.

“Honestly, I had to adjust to Luka’s passing because he passes from all angles,” Dinwiddie told Dallas Hoops Journal during training camp. “It’s not something you see often, so it takes some getting used to. When you play with a superstar like Luka, you have to learn their game and adapt. I think I’ve been successful with max players because I come in with that mindset of figuring out how to complement them. If Luka wants me to attack more, I do that. If he wants me to catch and shoot, I do that too.”

Jaden Hardy has already impressed this preseason, particularly in the opener, where he delivered 21 points, nine assists, and three steals. Kidd praised Hardy’s growth as a player, highlighting his progression from a pure scorer to a more complete playmaker.

“Yeah, I think we talked about Hardy’s process. He’s been growing each year. He came in as a scorer—he can score, he can shoot it—and now he’s added the ability to play-make,” Kidd said. “You saw it with the nine assists last night. We will continue to put him in positions not just to score but to make plays for his teammates. He’s up for that challenge, and he’s worked extremely hard this summer on his game to do that.”

Hardy, now entering his third season, has embraced this opportunity, understanding he must continue to show progress as an initiator and passer. Reflecting on his performance, he stated, “I had a chance to run the point and get us organized. I feel like I did a great job getting everyone involved and just having fun out there.”

Hardy also understands the importance of becoming a well-rounded player, especially when sharing the court with Dončić or Irving. “Coach Kidd wants me to be a playmaker, not just someone who scores the ball,” Hardy explained. “He’s looking for me to get others involved, make the right reads, and knock down open shots. But most importantly, he’s looking for defensive energy, being able to bring intensity on that end of the floor.”

Kidd echoed Hardy’s sentiment about the need to set the tone defensively, emphasizing Hardy’s growth throughout his career. “He’s shown he can play with Luka and Kai in big situations,” Kidd said. “Defensively, he can guard the ball, and he’s grown a lot over the last three years. We’re looking for him to have a big jump this season.”

Additional Dallas Mavericks Injury Updates

Danté Exum is far from the only Mavericks player dealing with an injury right now. Luka Dončić has been dealing with a left calf contusion since early in training camp. While he hasn’t participated in full practices yet, Dončić was seen on the court during Sunday’s Fan Jam, shooting alongside teammates Kyrie Irving, Jaden Hardy, and Markieff Morris.

Based on the timeline provided by Jason Kidd in training camp, Dončić is scheduled to be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Regardless, there is “no concern” about Dončić’s availability for the regular season. Based on the latest information, an update could come during pre-game media availability on Thursday.

Irving and Klay Thompson, who both sat out Monday’s preseason game for rest, participated fully in Tuesday’s practice. Kidd indicated that both players will likely feature in the team’s final three preseason games to build continuity and rhythm ahead of the season opener, meaning they are expected to play on Thursday.

Maxi Kleber remains sidelined due to a left ankle sprain but showed positive signs by getting shots up during Tuesday’s practice. While no official timeline has been set for his return, this progress is an encouraging sign for his recovery.

P.J. Washington missed Monday’s game with left hip tightness. Despite his absence, Kidd mentioned there’s “no concern” about the injury, as Washington was able to participate in a pre-game workout, signaling that he should be back soon.

Kessler Edwards is still recovering from a left ankle sprain and has yet to play this preseason. While the team hasn’t had the chance to see him on the floor, Kidd is eager to get Edwards involved once he’s fully healthy.

Looking Ahead

As the Mavericks prepare for the 2024-25 season, Exum’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, but Kidd and the team are confident in their ability to adjust in the meantime. They can use the remainder of their three-game preseason schedule—beginning on Thursday against the Utah Jazz—to evaluate their backup bench options.