Game 56 DIRKIE:

[F Gump]

Last season he took 10 shots and 3.5 3s per 36 (which is Josh Green territory).  He was very efficient (64% TS) but low volume.  This season he is taking over 14 shots per 36 (that is more than a 40% increase) while maintaining that efficiency.  If he can continue this level of aggression he will be a completely different offensive player from last year, even if his efficiency falls off a bit.

I think he has learned while sitting.

But it's also possible that the change in the roster has been a major factor. Luka being gone, all by itself, opens up shot opportunities to everyone else on the floor. In addition, last season Exum's minutes were rarely as the lead guard- he was typically being used as 2nd guard next to Luka or Kyrie, each of whom got the shots and way more time with the ball, and sometimes he was the 3rd guard deferring to both.

I do find the timing interesting as to when Exum came back. We heard pretty much nothing about when he might play, then once he's ready to go, they send Luka out the door. Did Kidd already have an inkling that this version of Exum was there and could be unlocked?