Dallas Mavs' Dante Exum Returns to NBA, Aims to Be 'Energy Guy'

After two seasons in Europe, Dante Exum is back in the NBA to back up Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the Dallas Mavericks.

Following an ABA championship-winning season for Partizan Belgrade last year, Dante Exum finally makes his return to the NBA after a two-year hiatus.

"It's been a long journey," Exum said on Mavs Media Day. "I feel like I've had the skill to be here but proving my [health] has kind of been the problem. I feel like going to Europe [and] spending the last two seasons there has helped me tremendously."

Exum's last stint in the NBA was in 2021, where he was waived by the Houston Rockets in the preseason, forcing him to find work elsewhere. For him, that ultimately ended up being work across the pond.

"The European [game] is very set-oriented, and we ran probably 100 offenses," he said. "The NBA is a bit more free-flowing...one of the things that the coaches said on the first day is 'we're looking for the best shot as quick as possible,' and that's not the case in Europe."

Dante Exum led all Dallas Mavericks starters with 13 points and nine assist in Tuesday's preseason loss to Real Madrid :: Catherine Steekneste/NBAE via Getty Images

Exum, being a fast-paced player himself, had to slow down with the European offense and work on the finer parts of his game.

"I think my spot-up shot is the best it's ever been," he mentioned. 

With these improvements in his game, Exum looks to provide valuable bench minutes behind stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. His speed and athleticism along with his playmaking skills make him an important weapon to have running the Mavs second unit. 

"I've always tried to be an energy guy," Exum said. "I like to push the ball [and] play fast."

Exum has displayed that energy and ability to push the pace in the Mavs' first three preseason games. In the latest outing, which ended up being a 127-123 loss to Real Madrid with Doncic and Irving both essentially being out, Exum led all starters with 13 points, nine assists and two blocks while being a plus-five in 26 minutes of play.

With Doncic's slow-paced style heading up the offense on a regular basis, Exum gives head coach Jason Kidd another way to play if he desires to up the pace.

Whether it's for his defense, playmaking, or energy, Exum desires to be a key piece to an NBA team once again, and the Mavericks are excited to give him that opportunity.

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