Australian guard and fifth overall pick Dante Exum still has a lot to improve before he could make his mark in the NBA, according to a scout of the top-tier league.

The 19-year-old failed to impress the unnamed observer in the ongoing FIBA World Cup after receiving only limited game time throughout the tournament.

"He's not ready for the NBA, that is for sure," an Eastern Conference scouting director told Sportingnews.com.

"But a lot of guys are not ready for the NBA and they have got to learn on the fly. He is no different."

"But he is not going to jump into the league and all of a sudden average 20 points a game. There's just no way."

The Melbourne played his best game in a losing effort against Angola in the final game of the group stages when he was fielded in for 31 minutes, as coach Andrej Lemanis decided to rest his starters for the second round.

He was able to produce 12 points and 6 assists, but was too careless with the ball, committing 4 turnovers.

In any case, the dilemma lies on whether Exum will be better developed as a point guard or as a two-man, considering his raw offensive skills.

"He is really, really good in the pick-and-roll," he added.

"He knows how to take the pick and emerge with his head up and he sees the whole floor."

"From what I have seen, the guy is a 1 all the way."

"You can try putting him at 2, but his shot is just not something you fear right now - he needs to adjust his mechanics and he needs more confidence in it."

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