Dante Exum's NBA future could soon be defined when he is poked, prodded, interviewed and showcased before NBA coaches and executives in Chicago.
Exum, the 198cm tall 18-year-old guard from Melbourne, is the star attraction of the 70 or so prospects attending the two-day NBA Draft combine, beginning on Thursday.
Despite plenty of hype and holding a place as a top five draft prospect, Exum is shrouded in mystery.
"Most fascinating combine attendee: Dante Exum," Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix wrote.
"For a lot of execs, Chicago will be the first real look at the projected top five pick."
Exum didn't play US college basketball and at the combine most NBA clubs will have their first chance to see him in person, watch him play and sit down and chat with the teenager.
He will also undergo a battery of tests, including having his hands, limbs and wingspan measured.
If Exum lives up to the hype in Chicago and quells question marks about his accuracy as a shooter, he may skyrocket to a top three pick.
If he disappoints, he could slide out of the top 10.
Exum's top-billing in Chicago comes after the top three draft prospects, US college stars Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid and Jabari Parker, chose not to attend the combine.
Exum will see a familiar face with Boomers teammate, Brisbane-born 206cm, 113kg power forward Cameron Bairstow, who starred at the University of New Mexico, also attending.
The NBA Draft will be held in Brooklyn on June 26.
Share
