No. 4: Dante Exum, Utah Jazz
Exum was injured for most of last season, playing in just 14 regular season contests. On top of that, he only averaged 18.1 minutes per game, slotted toward the back of the rotation for a team competing for playoff seeding. Still, through all that, he remains one of the most intriguing options on the market.
Strengths
Once the No. 5 pick in 2014, Exum hasn’t lived up the hype that followed him into the league. Whether it be injuries or inconsistency, he just hasn’t found the stable ground needed to produce at the NBA level.
He has shown impressive flashes, though, both during Summer League appearances and during his most recent stint on the floor. The 22-year-old still has plenty of room (and time) to grow as a player, something that should pique the interest of teams this offseason.
At 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Exum has brilliant stretches on the defensive end. His blend of length and athleticism makes him a pain for opposing ball-handlers at the point of attack, while his ability to roam passing lanes and kickstart transition offense brings a lot of value.
Exum shot a career-low 27.8 percent from deep last season, but that can be attributed to small sample size. If he can become a league-average three-point shooter, with his defensive upside, he has a clear path toward becoming an impactful NBA player.
Weaknesses
Exum needs to improve his shooting, especially if he’s going to spend time playing off the ball — whether it be next to Donovan Mitchell in Utah or in a different city. Efficiency and decision-making have also been points of emphasis with Exum, but the Australian has improved his true shooting percentage and turnover rate in three consecutive seasons.
Fit
Gauging Exum’s value on the open market is difficult, plus the Jazz can match any offer. The Sixers could have cap space to burn if they miss out on big-name free agents, though, potentially opening up room for a one-year flier on Exum.
His defensive versatility and upside are both worth investing in. The Sixers aren’t likely suitors, but Exum is a young piece who should garner plenty of intrigue once the calendar hits July.