Fansided

25-under-25: Biggest disappointments

By Jerry Christodoulatos

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers watches the game against the San Antonio Spurs from the bench on December 7, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 119-68. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers watches the game against the San Antonio Spurs from the bench on December 7, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 119-68. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 4: Dante Exum
OAKLAND, CA – MAY 4: Dante Exum /

6. Dante Exum, ranked 81st

Remember when people were comparing Dante Exum to Kobe Bryant back in 2014? Well that’s definitely not a thing anymore. The Australian international has had a strange career so far. When entering the league, many scouts viewed him as a crazy athlete with the length and IQ to become an elite player on both ends of the floor. Exum did however have his fair share of critics, who him as a total unknown with a bricky jumper. So far, the skeptics are winning the debate. Utah used the fifth overall pick on him and he hasn’t developed as expected.

Heading into the 2015 season, the Jazz had an unreliable point guard rotation, at best. Throughout that season Exum had numerous opportunities to play meaningful minutes and make an impact. He had a shaky season though. Exum showed some signs of the potential that made him a top-five pick, but never really impressed. Concerns about his shot were validated when he hit on only 31 percent of his 3-pointers and shot even worse from mid-range (per Basketball- Reference).

Exum unfortunately tore his ACL before the 2016 season, which really set back his development. Last season he returned and split minutes with Shelvin Mack at backup point. Many of the issues that surfaced during Exum’s rookie season reemerged last year, but overall he was probably a better player. On offense he shot even worse from 3-point territory, but his mid-range numbers improved substantially. Another good sign was Exum’s improved ability to attack the rim; he didn’t finish at a particularly great rate, but at least he was getting there! The most promising part of Exum’s game has been his defense. His length can bother opposing guards, although he still has much to learn on that end of the floor.

This coming season will be pivotal for Exum. He has had a disappointing career so far, but has shown some signs of improvement. With Utah’s acquisition of Ricky Rubio the Australian won’t be starting, but he will play important minutes in a backup role. Restricted free agency looms for Exum next summer, so he’ll need to have a career year. Otherwise he might fall victim to the often cruel restricted market.

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