Aussies in NBA: Jazz focused on developing Exum

The Utah Jazz have shown hints of promise last season, especially when it came to defense.

Unlike many other teams that are looking to the frenzy of free agency as an option towards championship excellence, head coach Quin Snyder is determined to bring out the potential in his cadre of youthful talent, including Dante Exum.

According to Jody Genessy of the Deseret News, coach Snyder also stemmed the flow of potential suitors for Exum. Snyder has been a firm believer in the guard since being drafted, and continues to hold the opinion firmly. This has led to Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey's stance on not taking calls for the Australian guard.

“He’s been great, and so when we have people calling us for Dante Exum, Quin has stopped that,” Lindsey said. “He’s like, ‘I believe in him. I believe in his makeup. I believe in his insides.’ I can just tick that off.”

Lindsey has also expressed enthusiasm on the team's commitment to offseason training, and has faith that the current roster will compete at a high level, should health not be an issue.

Rest assured, Exum will very likely be in a Utah uniform when the new season starts. That is a relief in itself, but I'm looking forward to two areas that were lacking last season: consistent spot up shooting, and pick and roll defense. Exum already has length and agility on defense. Add the possibilities of improved defensive instincts and consistent scoring, and Utah's playoffs chances will definitely seem a lot brighter.