Jason Kidd's cryptic Mavericks injury update could doom season before it begins

Last season, the Dallas Mavericks were hit hard by the injury bug. Players like Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, and Kyrie Irving all missed time due to injuries ranging from ACL tears, ankle sprains and other bumps and bruises. Another player who missed significant time was veteran guard Dante Exum.

Exum played in just 20 games for Dallas last season, as he recovered from a wrist injury in training camp that kept him out until January 31. His return was cut short, though, after he suffered a fractured hand in mid-March. Exum made a comeback in late April, giving the team an extra guard before the start of the Play-In Tournament. However, it seems the injury bug may have struck Exum again.

Recently, Exum was a no-show at the Mavericks' first preseason game on Monday. His absence is enough to concern Mavs fans, as they understand his injury history. Plus, Coach Jason Kidd's response to Exum's non-appearance could cause a flurry of questions. Could Exum have suffered another setback injury? Is Dallas hiding something from fans?

Dante Exum's absence could doom the Mavericks' backcourt

The questions listed above can only be answered by Kidd and the organization. The Mavs' coach briefly touched on Exum's status. His status and the team's response are enough to worry fans.

"He’s just out. That’s all I can tell you," Kidd said about Exum.

Fans can take Kidd's words however they want, but his response about Exum's status is enough to keep MFFLs on edge. As mentioned, his past injury history and inability to stay on the court are something fans are accustomed to.

Dallas signed Exum to a one-year deal this offseason, as the team desperately needed an extra ball handler. If you recall, Irving tore his ACL on March 3. Irving's injury is expected to keep him out until the second half of the upcoming season. So, signing Exum was critical, as his return provided Dallas with an extra guard and someone familiar with the team's playbook.

Currently, the Mavs' point guard room consists of D'Angelo Russell, Brandon Williams, and Exum, with the latter two forming the team's primary rotation. Of course, there are other backup guards, such as Miles Kelly, Ryan Nembhard, and Jaden Hardy, but the first three listed above will be the primary ones.

This is where Exum's availability will be important. If Exum is to miss an extended period of time, then Dallas will be down to Russell and Williams as the main primary guards. It would be a thin backcourt, as the team has no clear answer when Irving will make his return. The Mavs can't afford to have another guard go down with an injury.

Plus, Dallas is stuck with Exum. The team can't afford to lose him because it'll be a struggle to release Exum and sign another guard with the veteran minimum. Fans can only hope Exum's injury isn't anything serious. A thin backcourt would be a horrible way to start the season.

So, get ready, Mavs fans, this will be an interesting season. They can only hope things start on a positive note and Exum is back before the season begins. The team will need his high-quality defense, hot 3-point shooting, and ball-handling skills to make up for Irving's absence. Please, basketball Gods, let Exum have a solid season.