3 studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' second-straight preseason loss to Timberwolves

3. Stud - Dante Exum

When the Dallas Mavericks signed Dante Exum to a two-year contract this summer, it was a move that confused some fans. He had been overseas for two years, he struggled during his time in the NBA, and Dallas had enough guards.

Dallas needed another defensive wing at the time of the signing, but Exum is proving that he belongs in the Mavericks' rotation through two preseason games. In Saturday's matchup, Exum finished with five points, five assists, and two rebounds.

Dallas needed a true point guard to bring off the bench, and Exum looks like he can be that. Dallas' bench seemed like it was just filled with true scorers such as Seth Curry, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jaden Hardy.

Exum's balance of scoring, passing, and defense is something that Dallas needs, and he is someone that they can lean on. He displayed his ability to be a facilitator, and he made the right play when the ball was in his hands.

Kidd praised Exum's play before Saturday's game and stated that he would be in Dallas' 10-man rotation if the season started right now.

Exum is a massive upgrade of Frank Ntilikina, and he will be someone that Dallas will need to be the leader of the second unit.