NBA News: Utah Jazz fears Dante Exum suffered torn ACL

Utah Jazz may have feared the worst for Dante Exum after the Australian guard suffered a knee injury during Australian Boomers international friendly against Slovenia on Wednesday. Exum, who is on his second year with the Jazz, was initially treated by Australia’s medical staff at the site and will return to Utah for further medical evaluation.

According to Salt Lake Tribunal, the 20-year-old Exum may have torn his left anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Boomers, although the Jazz is waiting for further medical examination to know for sure. However, Salt Lake City radio host Tim Montemayor claimed on his Twitter account that Exum was diagnosed with a torn ACL before the Australian left Ljubljana.

Exum collapsed during the second period of Australia’s 61-55 win over the Slovenians after his left knee buckled in a non-contact play. The 6-foot-5 guard needed help to leave the court and did not return to the game, but Exum went back to Australia’s bench late in the fourth period with his knees strapped and on crutches.

Jazz president Randy Rigby has been supportive of Exum’s participation in international matches, despite it cost Utah its sophomore guard. Rigby told Utah radio station “The Zone” that the team will continue to support young guys in international competition.

"I have been one who has kind of changed my attitude to be supportive of our players playing internationally,” Rigby said, reports Fox Sports. “It's a good opportunity for them to really develop their game and continue their development."

Meanwhile, Utah Jazz teammate and fellow Australian Joe Ingles, who sat out the Boomers qualifiers, said Exum was really disappointed about the unfortunate incident. Ingles also pointed out that if Exum’s injury is indeed diagnosed as an ACL, the realistic time table for Exum’s return could be in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

“He’s really disappointed and wants to know what it is as well. He’s just a bit down at the moment,” Ingles said.

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