This red flag isn't really about Dante Exum as a prospect or whether it looks like he could be a great player. In fact, summer league showed that he could be a potent weapon if his perimeter shooting improves.
What we're worried about is the Utah Jazz's implementation of the youngster and how it could hinder his progress.
He spent a lot of time at the 2 spot in Las Vegas, operating alongside returning point guard Trey Burke. It was clear that Exum's not a natural fit as an off-guard, and he admitted it's been a difficult adjustment, per Jody Genessy of the Deseret News:
I think I’m still comfortable at the point. I still want to get the ball in my hands as much as possible. I didn’t get it a lot in my hands these last couple of games...With Coach’s system, it’s open, but there’s been so many times I’ve just gone away from the ball and let Trey take it.
The Jazz may work things out, but right now it's hard not to be worried about the role change screwing up his transition to the NBA. B/R NBA Lead Writer Jonathan Wasserman wonders if Utah is hampering the growth of its most exciting asset:
Is Burke, whose ceiling is a good three stories lower, stealing valuable touches away from Exum early in his career? By sliding Exum off the ball into the corners and on the wing, doesn't that diminish the mismatch his size, athleticism and ball-handling ability present?
If I'm the Jazz, my only concern is playing Exum off the ball hurts his development at the point guard position, which is where he ultimately holds the most potential value.
Are the Jazz mismanaging a potential star?