5 Things Dallas Mavericks fans should root for, 5 to root against to close season

6. For: More Dante Exum minutes

Dante Exum has become one of the most underrated players in the NBA this season, and he has quickly become one of the Dallas Mavericks' key pieces as the playoffs quickly approach.

This season for Dallas, Exum is averaging 8.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 55.2 percent from the field and an impressive 51.6 percent from downtown. Exum has been the best shooter on the team this season, and his ability to defend and stretch the floor has been elite.

While Exum is making the most of his minutes, he only played around 19 minutes per night. This is due to the Mavs managing his injuries and not wanting to push him too hard, but Exum's minutes should go up once the playoffs hit.

The Mavs are at their best when he is on the floor, and there are no do-overs in the playoffs. This is the Mavs' best chance to win a title since 2011, and Exum could be one of the X-factors that make this dream a reality.

Exum has been the third ball handler that the Mavs desperately needed, and his ability to play on and off the ball allows him to be a part of any lineup. His defensive versatility makes him one of the Mavs' most important players for the playoffs, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Exum defends the best player on the floor when he's in the game.