Aussies in NBA: Exum's opportunities open up with Mack's departure

Dante Exum's playing minutes are set to get another boost, with Shelvin Mack's exit from the Utah Jazz.

Mack was acquired at the trade deadline from the Atlanta Hawks last season as a reserve guard. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Mack has left the Jazz for a two-year deal with the Orlando Magic.

https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/883473101735854080

The 6'3 point guard averaged 7.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists in his last season with the Jazz, and shot 30.8% from the three-point line. He saw the floor in 55 regular season games, and averaged 21.9 minutes a night as part of Utah's reserve unit (stats).

Exum's limited playing time (18.6 minutes per game last season) could be attributed to several factors, one of which was the Jazz coaching staff's preference for Mack. Exum's newfound growth in his playmaking abilities over the Summer League doesn't prove anything on an NBA court, but it does point to Exum being ready for an expanded role on the Jazz backcourt.

The Jazz currently have Ricky Rubio, Raul Neto and rookie Donovan Mitchell at the point guard spots. It's up to Exum to make the most of his opportunities this coming season.