Realistic expectations for Exum, our future star

[Doublea]

Expectations for me. A solid defender that can shut pgs down. A playmaker who makes his teammates want to play with him and get easy buckets. A reliable shooter off the catch. And great going to the rim to either score, get free throws, or make a play. I don't think he'll ever be the clutch guy making a shot at the end of the game and if he is calling for the ball it is to make something happen for his teammates.

 

[r_u_s_t_b_u_c_k_e_t]

Just for fun, here is a list of players over the past 10 seasons who finished their rookie year with similar stats to what Diante Exum is putting up so far:

https://bkref.com/tiny/YwGmw

Who is the best player there... Bayless?

 

[r_u_s_t_b_u_c_k_e_t]

This list is a little more encouraging, every 19-year-old rookie in the past 10 years:

https://bkref.com/tiny/9ckvt

If he improves his numbers this season, significantly, he might be able to get as high on this one as players like Giannis, Mo Harkless, and MKG... but that is still a far cry from the comparables mentioned in this thread.

 

[r_u_s_t_b_u_c_k_e_t]

Here's a better list, of 19-and-under rookies, from the past 20 years:

https://bkref.com/tiny/2z764

There are a few competent players below Exum: Harrington, Bynum, and Lewis. Maybe could include Bender there.

I think the most comparable player to Exum in that list is Shaun Livingston. And Exum is going to have to improve to get to where Livingston was at the end of his rookie season.

 

[NUMBERICA]

I love that the title of this thread is itself an unrealistic expectation.

 

[yamers]

I just hope he becomes a good defender....thats about all I can expect from him so far.

 

[Lakers_Slapper]

Not true. Even on his first year, Kobe was aggressive. In fact, Kobe was selected to the all-star team when he was Exum's age.

I remember Kobe's first all star game at 19 years old. I hated him then, and I hate him now. I will give credit that he is a good basketball player but can never compare to Jordan.

 

[Spinoza]

If you actually watch the games you'll probably feel pretty good about Exum. It's not difficult to see he's taking it slow in learning the NBA and the Jazz system.

If, on the other hand, you just look at box scores, you're possibly very worried right now.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Dante seems more concerned with making the right play and trying to help us win than putting up his own numbers. The only change I'd make with the guy at this point is for him to look to drive to score more. He gets near the rim and looks at who to pass it to... just take your shot young fella.

He had an encouraging drive last night. I don't think he is Kobe, but I can see him potentially being our best player if he works his tail off. I hate Kobe as much as the next guy, but nobody outworked that guy. If Dante has Kobe's work ethic who knows what he can become.

 

[Jamezz]

I love that the title of this thread is itself an unrealistic expectation.

I don't see why? The FO is very high on him, and I don't see it far fetched to consider a player they want to build the team around a future star.

 

[ncoloradojazz]

who remembers Kobe's first few years in the league ??? I remember a fast mouth with only flashes of what he would become.

You are either dumb or young or perhaps both. Kobe was a handful when he was Exums age

 

[Stifle Tower]

You are either dumb or young or perhaps both. Kobe was a handful when he was Exums age

Kobe is one of the best players of all time. My hope for Exum is quite a bit lower. All I want is for him to be a top-10 PG in the league. Anything beyond that is gravy.
Just imagine if we could have all our starters be top-10, with solid backups behind them.