It finally happened. The moment that every NBA owner fears; one that shatters a fan base and throws the outlook of a season into doubt. Last year, it was the Indiana Pacers that felt its sting when Paul George‘s leg was snapped like a twig during an exhibition game. Now, it strikes in our own backyard with Dante Exum and the Utah Jazz.
It’s the moment where national pride and love of the game are rewarded not with glory or gold medals, but the shattering of flesh and bone. The inherent risk of international hoops competition that causes many wonder if the reward can ever truly be worth it–a question Jazz Nation is now forced to ask itself.