NBA Notes: Mavericks, Dante Exum, Hornets, Pelicans, Jordan Hawkins

Mavericks

Dante Exum’s return to the NBA just hit another snag, as the Mavericks announced he underwent surgery on his right wrist on Tuesday.

Dallas confirmed that Exum, who was dealing with a “serious” injury, will be sidelined for about three months, per Shams Charania of ESPN. This timeline suggests Exum could make his return sometime in the new year, which is a setback for both him and the Mavericks.

Exum, 29, has faced numerous challenges throughout his career, primarily due to injuries. After spending two seasons overseas and showing promise with FC Barcelona and KK Partizan, he signed a two-year deal with the Mavericks this past offseason.

He then carved out a solid role on a team that reached the Western Conference Finals, averaging 7.8 points and 2.9 assists per game, while shooting a stellar .533 from the floor and nearly .500 from beyond the arc in 55 games.

However, injuries have continuously hindered his progress. Last season, he dealt with foot and knee issues, and he was unable to participate in Australia’s first game at the Paris Olympics due to a dislocated finger. Now, with Exum expected to miss a significant chunk of the regular season, the Mavericks will need to adjust their backcourt rotation.

In Exum’s absence, veteran Spencer Dinwiddie and third-year player Jaden Hardy are poised to take on more significant roles alongside superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. 

Hornets

Hornets wing DaQuan Jeffries, one of the key pieces acquired in the recent Karl-Anthony Towns sign-and-trade, has been diagnosed with a fractured right fifth metacarpal. This injury, sustained during Tuesday’s preseason game with the Heat, affects the bone at the base of his pinkie finger.

While the Hornets haven’t provided a clear recovery timeline, saying only that Jeffries will be “out moving forward” and that updates will come as appropriate, this situation poses challenges. Jeffries, who has averaged just 10.8 minutes per game over 64 career NBA appearances, won’t likely impact the starting rotation, but his absence complicates the Hornets’ roster decisions as they finalize their lineup.

Currently, Jeffries is one of 15 players with a fully guaranteed salary for the upcoming season. However, with the club looking to make room for Taj Gibson, who has a partially guaranteed deal, roster spots are at a premium. Jeffries, along with fellow acquisition Charlie Brown Jr., could find themselves in jeopardy as the team trims down before the season begins.

Pelicans

Guard Jordan Hawkins is ready to break out in his sophomore season with the New Orleans Pelicans, following a solid but inconsistent rookie year. While he shot just 38.2% from the field, his 36.6% from beyond the arc revealed his potential as a marksman. The Pelicans are optimistic about what Hawkins can bring this season, as coach Willie Green has granted him the green light to fire away from three.

“He’s special, man,” Green said, via Christian Clark of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “The force and speed he comes off of plays with; his gravity creates a domino effect. We want to incorporate him in our offense. Sometimes we are playing through him.”

It’s also clear that New Orleans views Hawkins as more than just a shooter, potentially making him a key figure in the rotation. Defensively, though, he might need a little work.

“I think the defensive end, I’ve trended on the way up since last year,” he said. “I’m doing a lot more things I’m comfortable with. I know the rotations, the NBA defense. It’s different from the college defense.”