Mavericks' glue guy drops unprecedented update on season-wrecking injury

Dallas Mavericks, Dante Exum
Dallas Mavericks, Dante Exum | Ronald Martinez/GettyImages

Don't look now. The Dallas Mavericks are on a two-game winning streak as their offense has reached new heights, and the team finds creative ways to win. During this streak, Dallas has scored over 130 points in both games. The Mavs' offense, led by Kyrie Irvin,g has done an excellent job distributing the ball and scoring in various ways, regardless of what the defense throws at them.

One reason for the offensive success is Klay Thompson. His sharpshooting has helped the team reach new levels. During the past two games, Thompson has knocked down 54 percent of his attempted 3-pointers. He also scored above 20 points in both games, as his hot hand proves that the Mavs should be feeding him more moving forward.

Along with Thompson, Daniel Gafford has been an important part of the team's success. His resurgence has been felt on the defensive end. Gafford has tallied nine blocks and 20 rebounds over the past two games. He continues to dominate the paint and silence doubters who wanted him to be on the trading block.

Exum will 'hopefully' make his season debut on Mavs' road trip

Yet, Thompson, Gafford, and the rest of the Mavs may be getting some positive reinforcements as soon as tonight against the Detroit Pistons. Yesterday, Dante Exum spoke about the possibility of making a return while on this five-game road trip. Exum touched on the subject, explaining that he would "hopefully" play while on this road trip. Exum traveled with the team on this trip, as he looks to make his long-awaited return.

This is big news, as this is the first time Dallas fans have heard from Exum since the offseason. Exum injured his wrist back in October during a training camp workout when he was dunking the ball. It was reported that he would be out for three months, as he underwent right wrist surgery. Many fans had been wondering when they would hear from Exum. The three months had passed and fans were ready to see him back in action.

Coach Jason Kidd spoke about the possibility of Exum returning on Wednesday night. He explained that Exum was "trending in the right way." Kidd elaborated on his progress over the past week.

"His wrist feels really good," Kidd said. "He looks good. We'll see how he does today and tomorrow. Hopefully that continues & we'll get to see him sometime maybe on this trip. Maybe,"

Having Exum back in the lineup would be a huge boost. He is a savvy guard who has quick energy and can provide an immediate spark when he checks into the game. Exum is an all-around guard who can contribute in multiple ways. Offensively, he is an excellent shooter who can run the show when needed. Last season, Exum shot a career-high 49.1 percent from the 3-point line and 53.3 percent overall.

He is also a great perimeter defender. His quick feet and length allow him to contest mid-range attempts and force scorers into difficult spots. The Mavs will need his defensive assistance, as pairing him alongside the likes of P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and Gafford could make the team's defense even more elite.

Assuming Exum does make his return soon, it would be a miraculous recovery. He outlined the difficulty of recovering from surgery. Exum explained that being in the brace for an extended period felt like forever. He detailed how things would have been easier had he injured his left hand.

However, the idea of getting back on the court excites both Exum and Mavs fans. His return could be the type of spark Dallas needs, as the team has had its fair share of injuries this season.

"Obviously it was hard for me to see everyone out there playing," Exum said. "And then with the season going on and seeing guys go down and having less and less bodies on particular nights, wishing I could be out there to help for five or 10 minutes. It's been tough."

Hearing from Exum is a step in the right direction, and fans can't wait to see him make his return.

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