4 Mavericks players whose stock skyrocketed this preseason

3. Dante Exum

When the Dallas Mavericks signed Dante Exum to a contract this summer, it was a move that some fans questioned.

Exum had been out of the NBA for multiple seasons, and when he was in the NBA, he wasn't great.

Exum's time overseas was clearly crucial for his development, as he boasts a new and improved jumper and looks much more polished as a facilitator.

Through four preseason games, Exum averaged 6.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game. He also shot 80 percent from downtown on five attempts. Exum showcased his potential role perfectly and cemented his role as an essential piece off of Dallas' bench.

Exum's ability to facilitate is something that Dallas desperately needed, as most of the guards on the Mavericks' bench are score-first players. Exum is a good decision-maker and has great vision, making him the perfect leader of the second unit.

Not to mention that he is a versatile defender that can effectively guard one through three. He can be plugged into lineups with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as he can be the primary defender, and his ability to hit threes off the catch makes him a lethal offensive option as well.

Exum proved that he will be a player that Dallas must play, and Mavs head coach Jason Kidd seems quite high on him.