Photo: EuroLeague

After a year that began with a trade, was punctuated by an Olympic medal but quickly followed by being waived, a bizarre concoction of events has landed Danté Exum in Catalonia, where the former NBA lottery pick now plays with Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona in the continent’s best competition, the EuroLeague. 

Exum has seen a steady increase in floor time and responsibility since signing with Barcelona earlier this month, with head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius making it clear that the Australian will have a strong role for a side harbouring legitimate aspirations for trophies on both the Spanish and European stage. 

Following what seemed to be an eternity of injury interruptions and absences, Exum entered the Boomers’ pre-Olympic camp earlier this year refreshed and readied for another tilt at a national campaign. In Tokyo, he showcased the NBA skills that scouts knew he could provide, but this time displayed them consistently throughout the tournament. 

While his defensive acumen, slashing and - if invited - perimeter shooting was not enough to stick to the Houston Rockets’ roster into the 2021/22 season, it is these same skills that have helped Exum stamp his place firmly in Barcelona’s plans for their EuroLeague campaign.