The Utah Jazz won their preseason game Friday night against the Phoenix Suns, but all anyone in Salt Lake City will care about is the health of point guard Dante Exum.
Utah's game was not televised, but reporters at the game indicated Exum took a tough fall and immediately made his way to the locker room.
The Jazz announced shortly after that Exum would not be returning to the game. Afterward, coach Quin Snyder told the press that Exum had been taken to the hospital for an MRI, and added that the injury "didn't look good."
Utah's worst fears were realized Saturday morning when the Salt Lake Tribune reported that Exum had suffered separated shoulder along with ligament damage in the process. When he'll be able to return is unknown, but it's assumed he'll be out a significant amount of time as he recovers.
Tribune sources: Dante Exum has suffered a separated shoulder and ligament damage, could miss significant time - https://t.co/mfxml0TPrf
— Tony Jones (@tribjazz) October 7, 2017
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports he might miss the entire season:
Sources: Utah's Dante Exum could miss season with separated left shoulder. Doctors, Jazz officials conferring on recovery/timetable options.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 7, 2017
This is another tough break for the youngster, who previously missed the entire 2015-16 season with a torn ACL. After struggling last season upon his return, 2017-18 was expected to be important for Exum in his development. Another potential long-term injury would deal that progress a devastating blow.
While Exum sits out. backup guard Raul Neto will likely take on a larger role. Utah still has Ricky Rubio to take on the majority of the minutes, but it's going to be short on guard depth this season until Exum returns.
