Over the past decade, the NBA has positioned itself as an international brand and it has been extremely successful as NBA fans span the world. This season the NBA has a record 92 international players from 39 countries. That number is likely to grow with international sensation Dante Exum formally declaring for the 2014 NBA draft.
This past week, Landmark Sports Agency and its agents Rob Pelinka and Brandon Rosenthal signed Australian native Dante Exum. Landmark Sports currently represents some of the biggest stars in the NBA, including James Harden, Kobe Bryant, Andre Drummond, and Andre Iguodola. Describing the reason for choosing Landmark Sports, Exum’s family explained, “[t]he Landmark Team represented our style and manner of treating people, and in doing business[]. We also all shared a common commitment to achieving excellence in all things. The fit is just great and we are really pleased to now begin the work.” Pelinka further acknowledged the international branding power of Exum, stating, “[a]s the NBA continues to expand its brand around the world, we feel like Dante’s international story comes at a perfect time. We also believe that, with continued hard work and focus, Dante is destined to be a ‘franchise’ point guard in this next generation of great NBA players.”
Over the past year Dante Exum has been making noise among NBA scouts. ESPN ranks Exum as a top 4 talent and the No. 1 point guard coming out of the 2014 draft class. Exum exploded on the scene during the FIBA U-19 championships where he averaged 18 points and almost 4 assists. His best game came against Spain where he scored 33 points. Last week, Exum helped his high school team win their championship game, contributing 15 assists.
Exum projects to be a lottery pick in this years NBA draft. Scouts describe Exum as an athletic and quick combo-guard who has a knack for penetrating to the rim. He is projected to be a point guard early in his career because he needs to improve his shooting. He will be a towering point guard with his large, 6’6” 188lb frame and 6’9” wingspan. Exum will become the 6th Australian playing in the NBA, joining Andrew Bogut (Warriors), Matt Dellavedova (Cavaliers), Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers), Patty Mills (Spurs), and Aron Baynes (Spurs). SB Nation has described Dante as “the best NBA prospect you probably don’t know,” but after the 2014 NBA draft this budding star will be a household name.