While it was widely assumed that Australian point guard Dante Exum would declare for the 2014 NBA Draft, as he is expected to be one of the first few people selected, it had not been made official until today.
ESPN’s Chad Ford reported that Exum officially declared for the draft and hired well known agent Rob Pelinka to represent him:
Breaking: Dante Exum will enter 2014 NBA Draft & hire agent Rob Pelinka. Exum No. 4 on Top 100, No. 1 ranked PG (link coming)
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) January 28, 2014
At 6’6 with a wingspan of 6’9, Exum has great size for the point guard position. At only 18 years of age he is still very young, and one of the more raw prospects in the draft, but his potential exceeds nearly everybody in this class.
He is an excellent ball-handler and passer, who excels in the open floor and has a great basketball IQ. He led the Australian U-17 National Team to a Silver Medal at the 2012 FIBA World Championships, so he has excelled on some very big stages.
One thing he will have to improve on is his jump shot as that is his most glaring weakness, but that can come with time. Most people would compare him in both build and skill to Philadelphia 76er rookie Michael Carter-Williams.
The hiring of Pelinka as his representation is also interesting as Pelinka also represents Kobe Bryant. Exum is one of the most intriguing options in this draft. He is definitely a risky pick, but he could immediately change the fortunes of the Lakers if they were to take him.
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