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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz’s season came to a close Tuesday night after being swept by the Golden State Warriors. It was a disappointing way to end the season but their playoff run was full of silver linings.
One of which is the improvement of Danté Exum, who could turn into a key player for the Jazz in years to come. That's all the more possible if George Hill is not on the roster next season.
Exum, the fifth overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft, played with the team his rookie year but missed his second year in the league with a torn ACL. This past season he bounced back from the injury and many times proved to be the spark that the Jazz needed off the bench.
Exum saw sporadic minutes throughout the regular season due to being one of the team’s four point guards. However, during the series against the Warriors, Exum played more minutes than usual and provided energy. Exum averaged 15 minutes and 7 points per game against the Warriors.
During Wednesday’s postseason interviews, Exum commented on his role with the team, saying he enjoys being "an energy guy."
"I have been able to bring that on the floor, and it’s not just being that ‘rah-rah’ guy, but just to come out and defend and do the right thing and guys follow,” he said.
Exum talked about learning from starting point guard George Hill, saying he enjoyed watching the veteran in how he ran a team and got players involved.
“He is obviously a great point guard," he said. "He had that mid-range game, and I saw that he was able to create a lot out of that so that is something that I want to add.”
With Hill’s future in Utah uncertain, the 21-year-old Exum also discussed his confidence in taking over as starting point guard next season.
“I definitely have confidence in myself that I am a point guard and ready to lead this team.”
Coach Quin Snyder commented on Exum’s postseason play in Wednesday’s interviews, saying that Exum has shown recently that he has the ability to "play within the team and help the team."
“Anytime you’re on the floor, if you make your team better you’re doing a good job.”
As the Jazz organization and George Hill decide their future this summer, Exum will be able to see what path his career will take with the Jazz. Lindsey Peterson is a Brigham Young University student studying broadcast journalism. Contact her at lindspeterson4@gmail.com or on Twitter @LindsPetey.
