Dallas Mavericks Lose Guard to Season-Ending Injury

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 23: Dante Exum #0 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball to the basket on Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Chase Center on February 23, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The Dallas Mavericks have the worst-rated offense in the NBA. A big reason for that is the fact that Anthony Davis has only played five games this season. Without him on the court, they don’t have a reliable scorer.

Injuries at the point guard position have also limited Dallas’ offensive prowess. Kyrie Irving is still recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered a year ago. Dante Exum has yet to play this season as a backup point guard, as well.

Dallas was hopeful to get Exum back at some point, but that will no longer happen. They have lost Exum for the season.

Dallas Mavericks Guard Dante Exum to Have Season-Ending Surgery

Exum’s season has ended before it has begun. He will have season-ending knee surgery, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. That means that the Mavericks will have to navigate the rest of the year by relying on D’Angelo Russell to run the offense until Irving gets back.

The Mavs signed Exum before the start of the 2023-24 season. In parts of three seasons in Dallas, Exum has just played 75 games. This is likely the end of the road for him, as he was labeled as an injury-prone player even before he found his way to Dallas.

Exum had been out of the league for two years before he ended up signing with the Mavericks. When he has been healthy, he has played just under 20 minutes per game off the bench for Dallas. Now, they won’t have his services available at all.

The Mavericks Need Point Guard Help

If the Mavs are going to turn things around and make the playoffs, addressing the point guard position is a must. Dallas has the third-worst assist ratio in the league, meaning that ball movement is an issue. Adding a point guard is a must for them if they want to compete.

Watching the Mavs’ offense without seeing the basketball moving has to drive Jason Kidd crazy. It’s why he started out the season by playing Cooper Flagg at point guard. He didn’t really have any better options. That continues to be the case.

Exum is on a one-year deal with the Mavericks. It’s unlikely he will return to Dallas next year.