Utah Jazz has thrown down the challenge to Dante Exum and he has responded ahead of next week's NBA Summer League.
The 21-year-old Australian was given some "truth" by Jazz management heading into his all-important fourth season, which will be a major indicator as to whether he can earn a contract extension with the club.
But the Jazz added more guards to their roster in last week's NBA Draft trading up to nab No.13 pick Donovan Mitchell, who plays both guard positions, and trading for Gonzaga point guard Nigel Williams-Goss in the second round.
They also plan to sign an experienced point guard, either retaining current starter George Hill or securing another veteran.
Exum impressed in his rookie season but missed his whole second season after a suffering a serious knee injury while playing for the Boomers.
This past season Exum endured some ups and downs in form and game time, but coach Quin Synder also cautioned against judging Exum too harshly due to his lost season.
Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey said Exum had remained in Salt Lake City following the season and was making major gains in his workouts.
"Quin and I challenged him in his exit interview," Lindsey revealed. "We gave him some truth and he has responded in a big way.
"He is here right now and like we told you two summer leagues ago – he is making some progress with his strength before hurting his ankle and then we know hat happened with his knee.
"You will see a tremendous player and has made some real growth. We have to remember Dante is 21-years-old.
"We have very high expectations for him."
Exum is expected to play for the Jazz in the Utah Summer League competition between July 4-7, but he isn't expected to play in their Las Vegas Summer League side.
Adelaide 36ers duo Mitch Creek and Nathan Sobey have also been added to the Jazz's summer league roster but it's not clear if they will play in both competitions.
Perth Wildcats and New Zealand shooting guard Corey Webster will link with the Dallas Mavericks for the NBA Summer League while Melbourne United centre Majok Majok was invited to the Maverick's pre-summer league camp and could play a part in their campaign.
Undrafted Australians Isaac Humphries and Mangok Mathiang will also play in the summer league for Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets respectively.
It's not yet clear if the Philadelphia 76ers will play second-round pick Jonah Bolden in the summer league as they appear to want him to continue to play in Europe next season.
The Orlando Summer League runs from July 2 to July 7, the Utah Summer League from July 4-7 and the bigger Las Vegas Summer League July 8 to July 18 [all Australian times].
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