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Dante Exum's "BAD" play is being blown way out of proportion.

elan_prodigy

elan_prodigy

Well-Known Member
Before I start I'll admit that I am somewhat of a Dante Exum homer.

But because of this I pay extra attention when he's on the floor. He and our other back up PG's have again come under fire the last few games for their PERCEIVED play on opposition PG's... So I went back over the tape and had a close look at all of the plays Dante was in while on the floor.

My results are as follows. (Links also provided)

Anything in BOLD I believe to be Exums fault.


Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-JIUUgUmOQ&t=1483s

@ 5.30 Exum enters the game (15-9)

@ 4.37 Exum has Beldsoe covered, Lyles over plays and leaves his man, assist to Len…

@ 4.15 Booker sets pick, Burks offers ZERO help and Bledose gets free lane, scores with AND 1.

@ 3.50 Bledsoe/Booker PnR, Burks and Exum switch, Exum uses speed and length to contest Bookers drive to rim (with only Lyles as
rim protection), NO SCORE.

@ 3.30 Hayward 2nd consecutive poor shot selection (step back on Bender) leads to def rebound, fastbreak, Burks foul and more points for Bledsoe…

@ 3.10 Burks misses on POOR offensive possession where no other Jazz player touches the ball. Leads to def rebound, fast break but Exum is able to stop Bledsoe driving. Bledsoe kicks out to Booker for uncontested 3.

@ 2.35 Exum and Burks switch on Bledsoe/Booker, TJ Warren scores on good play after getting past Hayward.

@ 2.05 Burks poor shot (having Exum and Lyles both open at 3pt line) leads to def rebound, fast break with TJ Warren beating Hayward down the floor and is fouled.

@ 1.50 Exum taken out of the game without doing ANYTHING wrong defensively.
(21-26 Orlando on 17-6 run)

I could argue Exum was our best player over this period as the poor shot selections and defensive lapses from Hayward and Burks led to A LOT of fast break points. Exum plays with Lyles a lot and Lyles is a terrible help defender.

Neto is then played as the back up PG…

Offensively, even though he wasn’t productive, he was cutting, screening and being active. Appears to me Hayward and co don’t trust him… I don’t understand how they will pass Diaw the ball on the 3pt line but not Dante.


Exum returns @ 9.47 in 4th after Booker starts heating up and plays the 2 (81-84) we also have 4 team fouls already which really restricts what anyone can do defensively.

@ 9.36 Exum is guarding Booker, being aggressive and gets over pick nicely. Booker full of confidence at this point crosses Exum up and is fouled.

@ 9.14 Exum again aggressive guarding Booker and causes a TO (travel).

@ 6.30 Booker brings ball up with Bender setting HIGH screen which Dante isn’t aware of (lack of communication??) causing a slight hesitation and Booker is able to get to his spot for uncontested jumper. I’d hope Rudy (screeners man) would challenge him to get to the rim in future… But really is was just a good play.

@ 5.54 Exum has to do a better job at denial here… Booker gets ball and Bender sets another HIGH screen (35ft). Exum fights over screen (no help) and catches Booker to put a hand in his face for a contested jumper. What can you do?? Great shot!

Exum is taken out of the game at this stage and Ingles put in to guard Booker. Ingles does a great job and really focuses on denying Booker the ball. Exum has been beaten ONCE all game long! By a RED HOT Devin Booker…


This is how I have viewed most of his games this year and that it is poor TEAM defense opposed to Exum just being beaten all the time like many believe... But feedback is welcome if I am watching the games through Dante colored glasses...
 
Utah Jazz vs Orlando Magic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1bn_aFd5h0

@ 5.27 Exum enters the game (14-21) Payton has 6 points.

@ 5.15 Exum picks up Payton at half court, Payton drives by Exum but Exum knows he has Rudy there, Payton kicks to corner for J.Green 3.

No idea why Lyles comes in to help with Rudy in position, unless instruction was to allow players like J.Green to shoot all day… Snyder calls for Timeout straight away so something was wrong.

@ 4.30 Exum picks up Payton full court, doesn’t allow him to penetrate and plays off him when he gives the ball up. Exum clogs the paint and challenges them to shoot.

@ 3.49 Exum pushes up forcing Payton to pick up his dribble and pass.

@ 3.20 Beautiful assist Dante. Only Diaw passes the ball better to Rudy.

@ 3.24 Payton drives at Exum and is forced to foul. No one there to help…

I’m not sure why Hayward stops in no mans land when his man isn’t even in the frame... He was 2 steps from being able to help Exum and possibly turn Payton away or at least make him re-think driving. Payton is a poor FT shooter so not a bad play from Exum either way.

@ 3.04 Exum picks up Payton at half court and is aggressive (not sure why as this just encourages driving from a bad shooter but obviously an instruction). Payton gets by Exum and drives the lane for a dunk.

@ 2.45 After Timout, Ingles in to guard Payton and Exum to Dj Augustine. Exum fights over Biyombo pick and gets back to DJ, recognizes Rudy is there and covers the roll man (Biyombo). DJ shoots airball, Biyombo and Exum battle which allows Rudy the .5 sec to get back to BLOCK that shot. Nice :).

@ 2.20 Terrible pass by Ingles to Hayward in corner causing TO and fastbreak. Ingles is on Payton and stands there watching the TO happen as Payton anticipates and runs the floor. Payton has a free lane and makes a smart play using his body to finish over Rudy. Ingles lucky not to give AND 1.

@ 1.50 Ingles switches with Exum with no effort to go over or under screen. DJ penetrates after Ingles gets caught in Biyombo screen and can’t get back anywhere near DJ and ends up fouling Biyombo for 2 FT’s.

@1.39 Burks replaces Hayward and appears to be guarding Payton. Exum still on DJ.

@ 1.21 Burks picks up Payton at 3pt line and gets caught in Biyombo pick. Neither Diaw nor Favors offers ANY help and Payton sinks uncontested FT jumper.

@ 1.05 Check out the bump Exum gets from DJ…

@ 0.40 Payton bringing the ball up quick, Exum slows him down but Payton has nice crossover (probably should have scored) but fumbles, Exum gets to him and he picks up his dribble. No idea why Favors fouls J.Green here, he was surrounded by 4 Jazz players. 2 FTs.

Exum is a little slow coming back to his RIGHT and I am sure this is because he doesn’t have the power in that left knee yet.

@ 0.40 Exum is replaced by George Hill (23-36, Orlando 15-9 run)

Payton scored 7 points in this time and Exum wasn’t guarding him for the majority. DJ had 0 points.


Exum returns @ 8.28 in the 2nd qtr after that BEAUTIFUL pass by Burks to Diaw for the AND 1 (44-44)

@ 8.28 Exum back guarding Payton.

@ 8.15 Exum caught in pick by Biyombo but Favors does a beautiful job HELPING and forces Payton into a contested shot. MISS.

@ 7.51 Exum doesn’t over commit on Meeks drive with Hayward there. Hayward called for unlucky foul IMO, 2FTs.

@ 7.20 Exum picks up Payton at half court, ball gets passed around and Exum DOESN’T bite, forces him to drive but is slow getting back to his right on crossover (when he needs to push off through that LEFT KNEE) and fouls. Although I see Hayward take that contact every game with no call.

@ 7.05 That a boy EXUM. Drives and scores.

@ 6.45 Exum forces Payton baseline. TO (3 second call).

@ 5.45 Payton drives past Exum, Exum has no help and Payton makes a smart play using his body to clear Exum out and scores. Thats a rookie foul call though, no contact there. On replay the only thing Dante touch was that stupid *** hair.

@ 5.38 Exum is replaced by George Hill (53-50).

Payton scored 5 point but we are +3 in that time regardless. Half finishes (64-65)

Exum is benched and Neto plays the remaining back-up PG minutes.
 
I think I understood you, elan_prodigy, but I think that the main issue for Exum critics is that he is not a dynamic player offensively and doesn't show signs of being ever capable of running a team. Besides, his passive demeanor offensive - something that may be perceived as "softness" - makes him merely a spot up shooter. It is not that Exum is making bad decisions in a Russell Westbrook kind of way; it is just that Exum does too little offensively - basically just shooting and making simple passes - and what he does, he does at a mediocre/average level at best.

Regarding his defense, I've seem good and bad moments from him during the season. He seems to have the physical tools to be more than a good defender, but he seems a bit passive at that end also.

I think there are definitelly reasons for concern about him.
 
elan_prodigy said:
Before I start I'll admit that I am somewhat of a Dante Exum homer.

But because of this I pay extra attention when he's on the floor. He and our other back up PG's have again come under fire the last few games for their PERCEIVED play on opposition PG's... So I went back over the tape and had a close look at all of the plays Dante was in while on the floor.

My results are as follows. (Links also provided)

Anything in BOLD I believe to be Exums fault.


Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-JIUUgUmOQ&t=1483s

@ 5.30 Exum enters the game (15-9)

@ 4.37 Exum has Beldsoe covered, Lyles over plays and leaves his man, assist to Len…

@ 4.15 Booker sets pick, Burks offers ZERO help and Bledose gets free lane, scores with AND 1.

@ 3.50 Bledsoe/Booker PnR, Burks and Exum switch, Exum uses speed and length to contest Bookers drive to rim (with only Lyles as
rim protection), NO SCORE.

@ 3.30 Hayward 2nd consecutive poor shot selection (step back on Bender) leads to def rebound, fastbreak, Burks foul and more points for Bledsoe…

@ 3.10 Burks misses on POOR offensive possession where no other Jazz player touches the ball. Leads to def rebound, fast break but Exum is able to stop Bledsoe driving. Bledsoe kicks out to Booker for uncontested 3.

@ 2.35 Exum and Burks switch on Bledsoe/Booker, TJ Warren scores on good play after getting past Hayward.

@ 2.05 Burks poor shot (having Exum and Lyles both open at 3pt line) leads to def rebound, fast break with TJ Warren beating Hayward down the floor and is fouled.

@ 1.50 Exum taken out of the game without doing ANYTHING wrong defensively.
(21-26 Orlando on 17-6 run)

I could argue Exum was our best player over this period as the poor shot selections and defensive lapses from Hayward and Burks led to A LOT of fast break points. Exum plays with Lyles a lot and Lyles is a terrible help defender.

Neto is then played as the back up PG…

Offensively, even though he wasn’t productive, he was cutting, screening and being active. Appears to me Hayward and co don’t trust him… I don’t understand how they will pass Diaw the ball on the 3pt line but not Dante.


Exum returns @ 9.47 in 4th after Booker starts heating up and plays the 2 (81-84) we also have 4 team fouls already which really restricts what anyone can do defensively.

@ 9.36 Exum is guarding Booker, being aggressive and gets over pick nicely. Booker full of confidence at this point crosses Exum up and is fouled.

@ 9.14 Exum again aggressive guarding Booker and causes a TO (travel).

@ 6.30 Booker brings ball up with Bender setting HIGH screen which Dante isn’t aware of (lack of communication??) causing a slight hesitation and Booker is able to get to his spot for uncontested jumper. I’d hope Rudy (screeners man) would challenge him to get to the rim in future… But really is was just a good play.

@ 5.54 Exum has to do a better job at denial here… Booker gets ball and Bender sets another HIGH screen (35ft). Exum fights over screen (no help) and catches Booker to put a hand in his face for a contested jumper. What can you do?? Great shot!

Exum is taken out of the game at this stage and Ingles put in to guard Booker. Ingles does a great job and really focuses on denying Booker the ball. Exum has been beaten ONCE all game long! By a RED HOT Devin Booker…


This is how I have viewed most of his games this year and that it is poor TEAM defense opposed to Exum just being beaten all the time like many believe... But feedback is welcome if I am watching the games through Dante colored glasses...
Click to expand...

I'd like to also point out that I too am an Exum homer.

I'd like to say that you have done a masterful job at this post. It has masterfully robbed me of 5 minutes of my life I will never get back. Even the bolded parts basically say it's not his fault and places blame on the rest of the team. Get the **** out with this nonsense!!
 
I think on the defensive end what Dante lacks is merely strength. He is constantly knocked down or pushed off by players attempting to free themselves. Bledsoe does it constantly. I don't know why they don't call the fouls on him.

On offense, I agree. He needs to be more assertive. He needs to develop a pull-up jumper and floater. He can get into the paint, so those shots will be there for him.
 
Small sample size. Why don't the other players trust him? Because he's shooting 34%/31%.

While I agree we might be overly critical of his defense, the numbers don't lie on offense. Opponents don't have to guard his shot. He can occasionally get to the hoop as he has straight ahead speed. But that's it.

I'm envious of the teams we play who have great young talent. DL had a great pick in Gobert and a strong one in Hood. Other than that, his draft record is weak: Burke, Exum and Lyles as lottery picks. Traded up for Neto. Jazz bring in 70-80 guys for workouts and it just hasn't paid off with any real finds.
 
How does our team manage with all the mistakes we make? Poor Exum he has to be on such a **** team.
 
elan_prodigy said:
... I am watching the games through Dante colored glasses...
Click to expand...

If Exum was any good there would be some OBJECTIVE data to back it up. Stats, the preponderance of expert opinions, history... something, anything. Turns out there is very little with this guy. According to Occam's Razor he probably just sucks at basketball. Sorry.
 
Stifle Tower said:
Small sample size. Why don't the other players trust him? Because he's shooting 34%/31%.

While I agree we might be overly critical of his defense, the numbers don't lie on offense. Opponents don't have to guard his shot. He can occasionally get to the hoop as he has straight ahead speed. But that's it.

I'm envious of the teams we play who have great young talent. DL had a great pick in Gobert and a strong one in Hood. Other than that, his draft record is weak: Burke, Exum and Lyles as lottery picks. Traded up for Neto. Jazz bring in 70-80 guys for workouts and it just hasn't paid off with any real finds.
Click to expand...

I think his shot looked better his rookie year. I think the coaches tried to "fix" his shot. It looks too mechanical, with an emphasis on overthinking/over-aiming. I think he has the potential to be a better shooter, but he needs to learn to play within the flow, and not over think.
 
raw
 
r_u_s_t_b_u_c_k_e_t said:
If Exum was any good there would be some OBJECTIVE data to back it up. Stats, the preponderance of expert opinions, history... something, anything. Turns out there is very little with this guy. According to Occam's Razor he probably just sucks at basketball. Sorry.
Click to expand...

I hear he has the lowest PER is history for players with the same number of minutes played. 1033rd out of 1033 players.
 
Siro said:
I hear he has the lowest PER is history for players with the same number of minutes played. 1033rd out of 1033 players.
Click to expand...

Maybe I'm doing this wrong, but it looks like he is the 2nd worst ever, behind some guy named "Yakhouba Diawara".

https://bkref.com/tiny/3vXYS

Dante will pass him in MP pretty soon anyway. Of course, he could pass "Bob Thornton" in PER if he plays a little better. We should sticky this thread so we can track his progress (regress?). ;-)
 
Stifle Tower said:
Small sample size. Why don't the other players trust him? Because he's shooting 34%/31%.

While I agree we might be overly critical of his defense, the numbers don't lie on offense. Opponents don't have to guard his shot. He can occasionally get to the hoop as he has straight ahead speed. But that's it.

I'm envious of the teams we play who have great young talent. DL had a great pick in Gobert and a strong one in Hood. Other than that, his draft record is weak: Burke, Exum and Lyles as lottery picks. Traded up for Neto. Jazz bring in 70-80 guys for workouts and it just hasn't paid off with any real finds.
Click to expand...

Also dont forget that he could draft and stash Jokic but instead chose to swap a early 2nd rounder for cash
 
Dante isn't playing great there's no doubt about that, but there was always the expectation that he would struggle this year (what many people dubbed his real rookie year). He just needs to not let it get to him mentally and then hit the gym with Hayward every day.
 
fgcamel said:
His PER this year is the same as Boris Diaw, and close to plenty of rookies so I'm not gonna get too worked up about it.
Click to expand...

Maybe one day he'll develop into someone who's better than the worst rookies in the league.
 
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