4 Dallas Mavericks players who are primed to disappoint this season

2. Dante Exum

After disappointing in the playoffs, Dante Exum enters a critical year in his NBA career. The 29-year-old guard spent two seasons overseas and was then later signed by the Mavericks last offseason.

Not only does Exum enter his last season under contract with the Mavericks, but he has a lot to prove after losing his spot in the rotation during the first few games of the first-round series against the LA Clippers.

While Exum played well during the regular season, he joins a roster that is full of talent at the guard position. The Mavericks recently added Quentin Grimes who is a solid point-of-attack defender and arguably shoots better from behind the arc.

Last season, Exum shot a career-high from three at 49 percent while taking just under two attempts per game. In addition, Exum hit two clutch threes that helped jolt the Mavericks into the fifth seed at the end of the season. Despite this ascension from Exum, his shooting dipped in the playoffs, which makes Grimes a favorable replacement.

With limited rotational spots, Exum will be competing with four other Mavericks for a bench role.

Exum played well in the Summer Olympics but he suffered a right index finger injury at the beginning of Australia's run. It's uncertain if Exum will be fully healthy by the start of training camp, but there is a good shot that he will be ready for opening night.

Exum will need to start the season off shooting hot from three if he expects to get his spot back in the Mavericks rotation.