Why Dante Exum’s ‘long road’ back from wrist injury is significant for Dallas Mavericks

DETROIT — The last time Dante Exum played in an NBA game was June 17, 2024.

He was among several members of the Dallas Mavericks to walk through the green and white shower of confetti that fell from the rafters of TD Garden, which marked the conclusion of a five-game Finals loss to the Boston Celtics.

Exum was positioned to be one of the team’s primary ballhandlers coming into a new season to support Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Those plans were derailed on the first day of training camp, when his right wrist collided with the rim after a dunk attempt.

Exum joined the Mavericks on the court for the first time in over seven months on Friday when he brought the ball up on the first possession of the second quarter.

It was a significant moment in Exum’s extensive journey back from a severe wrist injury that required surgery. The veteran guard missed the first three months of the season, but his return in Friday’s 117-102 loss to the Detroit Pistons was a sign that the Mavericks are one step closer to becoming healthy.

“It’s been a long road,” Exum said. “It’s been a lot of ups and downs. Just the work to get back to this point, it’s been a lot. Unfortunately, we couldn’t win tonight. That would’ve been a nice icing on the cake. There’s still a lot of work to do. I got a lot of work to do. Hopefully I can get back to my normal self as quick as possible.”

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Exum said he tore the ligament in one of the eight carpal bones in his wrist, which required a procedure to repair.

As expected for someone who’s missed such a significant amount of time, Exum’s playing opportunity was limited on Friday night. He played only 14 of his 15-minute restriction and finished with just three points, two rebounds, one assist and two turnovers.

Exum showed signs of fatigue at times, and didn’t have much lift on the lone 3-pointer he attempted. However, he also had moments when he showed an asserted effort to drive to the basket. His most ambitious play was a dunk attempt, but he was fouled on the right wrist by Pistons center Jalen Duren. Exum used the same wrist that required surgery to brace his fall. He rose to his feet and split a pair of free throws.

“I’m mad at myself for doing it, but I feel like it’s a hats off to me and the rehab team,” Exum said. “It shows that we did our job and I can come back and fall on it and still get back up. No fear going into the next game, and coming back stronger.”

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said Exum provided a positive pace for the team despite his limited minutes.

“The things that he did for us were great,” Kidd said. “He was part of that group that helped us get back into the game to cut it to four, I think. A lot of positive things. He came out healthy, so we’ll see how many minutes he can go on a Sunday afternoon.”

The Mavericks will continue their longest road trip of the season Sunday in Cleveland, followed by Tuesday’s game in Philadelphia and Thursday’s rematch against Boston. All three of those games could be used to give Exum the reps he’s needed since he hasn’t participated in any five-on-five basketball activity. The Mavericks only had three practices in January because of their lack of available bodies.

“Not much. Actually, none at all,” Exum said. “We had our two-way guys playing a lot of minutes so it was hard to play five-on-five, but we made it work. We made myself get runs when we could and be ready for tonight.”

Exum’s first game back showed he’s still willing to attack the rim with the same force without any worries about excessive contact with his wrist.

“It’s something I’ve done a thousand times,” Exum said. “Just this one time, it decided to snap or whatever it did.”

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