3 reasons Dallas Mavericks fans will love Dante Exum

The Dallas Mavericks shocked many when they signed Dante Exum to a two-year deal on July 14.

The Australian guard was selected with the 5th overall pick by the Utah Jazz back in 2014. Entering the NBA, Exum was regarded as a highly touted defensive-minded guard. Many scouts believed his playmaking and offense would develop as he played throughout his rookie season, but this never came to fruition.

Exum would bounce around the league for multiple seasons before finally packing his bags for overseas ball. While playing overseas Exum would play for two highly regarded clubs FC Barcelona and Partizan Belgrade.

3 reasons Dallas Mavericks fans will love Dante Exum

While playing for these two acclaimed clubs, Exum would find consistency on offense and develop his 3-point shot.

An attribute always holding him back at the NBA level was his lack of shooting, and while overseas, he flipped that narrative. Last season with Partizan Belgrade, Exum shot an astounding 46.5 percent from behind the arc on 2.6 attempts per game.

Entering a new situation with the Dallas Mavericks, Exum has an opportunity to not only play in the NBA once again but to also find a true role.

Last season, the Mavericks lacked any source of consistency on the defensive end. Over the offseason, the team re-signed Kyrie Irving and retooled a competitive roster around Luka Doncic. Exum not only helps on the defensive end of the floor, but he will need to play a huge role in reshaping this team's image from last season's awful ending.

Dante Exum will have his work cut out for himself to stay in the NBA, but he will surely have a role in this rendition of the Dallas Mavericks. Here are three reasons Dante Exum will become a fan favorite.

3. Everyone loves a good comeback story

Everyone loves a good comeback story, and none would fit the blueprint more than if Exum found his way back into the league and thrived in his role. Exum has an opportunity with the Dallas Mavericks to make this dream possible.

From an offensive standpoint, Exum won't have a lot on his shoulders, but he will need to prove his worth on the defensive side of the floor. However, fans shouldn't worry about a potential falling out on the defensive end of the floor. Coming into the NBA, Exum was regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in many years, and his NBA stint proved this.

Exum will need to focus on staying consistent and translating his three-ball to the NBA level. If he can do this he should have valuable time within the rotation. Exum, along with others, will be a nice addition alongside Doncic and Irving.

It will be critical for Exum to develop his offensive production if he wants to continue his second go-around in the NBA. However, Exum will be expected to play a massive role that is missing on this current roster, a defensive-minded guard off the bench.