Australian basketballer, and the current Dallas Mavericks point guard in the NBA, Dante Exum, last year had a rough season full of injuries. He has struggled with some physical issues, the most recent being tightness in his left Achilles tendon. He has subsequently been ruled as questionable for the Mavericks’ game on Thursday, February 15, 2025. It is bad news for the team as well as the fans, as Dante Exum had only just returned from an extended time out following a wrist injury.
Return to Play: Injury History
Dante Exum career has been marred by injury. He was drafted fifth overall by the Utah Jazz in 2014 and has dealt with many career-threatening injuries, including a torn ACL in 2015 and shoulder surgery in 2017. “You are easy to lose when you are not playing in the NBA,” he said.
Exum underwent surgery for a right wrist injury he suffered at a practice in October 2014. This made him miss the opening three months of the 2024-25 NBA season. His absence was a huge loss for the Mavericks, who were relying on his versatility and defensive prowess. He finally returned on Feb. 1, 2025, playing a game against the Detroit Pistons. The Mavericks fell to the Dallas Mavericks 117-102, but Exum suited up for 14 minutes and tallied three points, two rebounds, and one assist.
Impact on the Team
Exum has been a key player for the Mavericks since returning. Since returning in late September, he has averaged approximately 10 points per game throughout five games, giving the roster much-needed depth. But not his Achilles issue, which has put his availability back in doubt.
Of course, the Mavericks are already dealing with injuries themselves — namely the absence of Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. With so many players out, the importance of Exum on the court is even greater. He can play both guard spots and can defend, putting him in the rotation by default.
Recent Performance
But on Feb. 13, 2025, in a victory against the Miami Heat, Exum put together his best outing of the season despite battling tightness in his Achilles. He finished with a season-high 27 points in the Mavericks’ 118-113 win. It was a performance that demonstrated he is far from done, even wrestling with discomfort.
The Mavericks were without eight players due to injuries, making the win especially important. This was Exum showing what he was made of and what he could help bring to the team when the team needed him most. Thanks to his work ethic, he delivers under pressure and performs at all levels even with whatever physical limitations he faces.
Achilles Injury and What It Means
Achilles injuries can be tricky. And even mild tightness or soreness can spell bigger trouble if not managed properly. Based on Exum’s history of injuries, the Mavericks’ medical personnel will surely be extremely cautious with his condition. If discomfort lingers, the team could hold him out, to prevent a more serious injury.
For Exum, the secret is staying healthy. He has had his moments over the years but injuries have been a frequent barrier to consistency. His play against the Heat showed what he can do when healthy, but now the questions will turn to how well he can recover and what that means for his long-term health.
What’s Next?
On February 14, 2025, Exum’s status was unknown. The Mavericks will probably keep a close eye on him and make a final decision on his status for Thursday’s game later. Fans are optimistic he will play but know that long-term health is more important than short-term winning.
For now, if Exum plays, he remains a key contributor. Should he sit out, the Mavericks will require additional role players to fill the gap in his absence. Either way, his play has served notice, in recent games, of his talent and potential.
For now, everyone is watching the injury report, as Mavericks fans crave more information on Exum’s condition.
