Utah Jazz’s Dante Exum to remain out until after the NBA All Star break

That sound you just heard was the air being knocked out of every Jazz fan’s stomach. The Utah Jazz announced that Dante Exum—who many hoped to be on the verge of returning to the court—will be out until after the All Star break. Exum who has now been out since January 5th will remain out until after the All Star break.

It appears that Dante Exum’s injury is not progressing as quickly as Utah had hoped. This could be a sign of caution by the Utah Jazz in order for Dante Exum to return to full health. It could also be the Utah Jazz hedging their bet on his health so he can pass a physical in the event he’s traded before the NBA Trade Deadline on February 7th. Whatever the full reason, Dante Exum will not be returning back to the court until February 22nd at the latest which is a full seven weeks after the initial injury occurred.

This puts Utah in a bit of a bind as they’re not that deep at the point guard position and they are being tempted by the what’s available on the free agent market.

Prior to his injury Dante Exum was averaging 7.4 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. In the weeks before injury it had looked like Exum was finally putting it all together. It is with sadness that we report that Exum Island will continue to remain closed for repairs until late February.

Meanwhile, Thabo Sefolosha and Raul Neto will be reevaluated in one week. So the Utah Jazz’s extreme lack of depth at the point guard position will continue to at least to two days before the NBA Trade Deadline.