Mavericks’ Danté Exum to Make Season Debut Against Pistons: “We Missed Him in a Big Way”

The Dallas Mavericks have upgraded Danté Exum’s status to available for the first this season, a welcome development as the team prepares for its matchup against the Detroit Pistons.

Exum, who completed his recovery process from right wrist surgery, will be under a 15-minute restriction as he eases back into competition. The Mavericks will then evaluate how his stints on the court went as they manage his workload.

“He’s going to be on a minute restriction,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “We’ll see how his stints go.”

Exum’s reintroduction to the lineup comes at a critical time for the Mavericks, who have been navigating numerous injuries for months. His ability to handle the ball, make open shots, and contribute defensively is expected to provide a boost. He was slated to be the lead backup guard before suffering his injury in training camp.

“He’s a team guy; a guy who can set the table, can push it, play defense, connect on open shots,” Kidd explained. “We missed him in a big way, so we’re happy to have him back.”

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Exum’s return is expected to fortify the Mavericks’ lineup as they look to maintain momentum with Luka Dončić looking ahead to a return to the lineup, which is expected before the All-Star break. He averaged 7.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds over 55 games last season, playing point guard and on the wing.

While there is anticipation about Exum eventually resuming his role as an option to close games, the coaching staff is taking a measured approach.

“We would love to, but we’re just gonna take today and get through his 15 minutes a day, comes out of this clean before we can think about in-game lineups and who he plays best with,” Kidd said. “We’re just happy to have him back. And hopefully, we can get to that point where he can be in that closing group at some point. But we’re away from that.”

The Mavericks will have some decisions to make about their guard rotation as Exum ramps up to a regular workload. With Dončić and Kyrie Irving accounting for such a heavy share of the guard minutes, it could become challenging to find consistent playing time for Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy.

Tipoff against the Pistons is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST at Little Caesars Arena, marking the second of a five-game road trip.