Jazz guard Dante Exum diagnosed with torn ACL
Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum was diagnosed with a torn ACL in his left knee after suffering a non-contact injury with the Australian national team, the team announced Thursday.
Exum was injured in an exhibition game Tuesday between Australia and Slovenia. The 20-year-old was treated on site, and the Jazz announced he will return to Salt Lake City for evaluation by the team's medical staff and healthcare provider.
“First and foremost, our overriding concern is with Danté and his long-term health,” said Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey. “We are continuing to work closely with our medical staff, Danté and his representation in order to reach an accurate diagnosis and recommended treatment so that we can provide him with the best possible care. We all know how hard he will work to make a full recovery and look forward to his return to play.”
Jody Gennesy of the Deseret News reported the “initial concern” within the Jazz organization was that Exum tore his ACL after driving into the paint and jump stopping before going to the ground. Australia lost the game 79–70.
Exum will miss the FIBA Oceania championships, which consist of two games between Australia and New Zealand and begin Aug. 15 in Melbourne. The winner of the two-game series, based on aggregate point total, earns a place in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Exum averaged 4.8 points, 2.4 assists and 1.6 rebounds per game as a rookie last season after being selected with the No. 5 pick of the 2014 draft.
Video of the play is below.
- Jeremy Woo
