NBA: 10 players facing make or break seasons in 2017-18

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HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 15: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets defends against Dante Exum #11 of the Utah Jazz during their game at the Toyota Center on April 15, 2015 in Houston, Texas. 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 Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /

Dante Exum, PG, Utah Jazz

Another high draft pick, who has underwhelmed. Some of it has been due to injury. He missed his entire second season due to an ACL tear. Last year he improved slightly from his rookie season, in a smaller role, but still ashen been able to consistently earn coach Quin Snyder’s trust. Last year, he only played 66 games and averaged 18 minutes a game.

Overall his numbers were not great, but there were signs of life. His PER improved from 5.7 to 8.5, his true shooting percentage improved from 45 to 52 percent and his turnover rate dropped from 15.8 to 13.6. Also his field goal percentage improved from 34 to 42 percent and his free throw percentage improved from 62 to 79 percent.

All good things, but there are still massive holes in his game. One is his shooting, at only 29 percent from three, the second is his play making is quite poor. Only 1.7 assists per game last season. Exum’s main strength is on defense. At 6-foot-5 with long arms he has shown potential as a stopper and a perfect fit for Utah’s tough defense.

This year newcomer Ricky Rubio will start, with Exum likely being the first point guard off the bench. The good news is Exum has looked really good in the summer league. He has shown progress as an attacking guard who uses his length and quickness to get to the rim. His ability to draw fouls will be the key to efficiency and success. Utah will struggle to score next year without Gordon Hayward and they need players to step up. Exum is one of the few players that has significant room to grow into the scorer Utah needs.

It has been a rough first few years for Exum, but don’t give up on him yet. Exum has they physical tools to succeed, and the opportunity to get quality minutes. As long as he improves his shooting to respectable levels, then he can be at least an average offensive player, while being a major plus on defense. If not Exum will be out of Utah sooner than he would have liked.

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