The Spurs have won three of the last four games despite being without Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper for all of them and Stephon Castle for the last three. Despite some bad injury luck dating back to the offseason, San Antonio is still somewhat surprisingly a top-six team in the West.
De’Aaron Fox has a lot to do with the sustained success. The star point guard, who was out to start the season and has only suited up for eight games so far, is starting to look like the difference-maker the Spurs
traded for, and his return to form is one of the silver linings of a tough time in San Antonio.
The trade for Fox received a surprising amount of scrutiny, considering what the Spurs gave up. A 2031 Timberwolves pick, which San Antonio acquired by trading the eighth pick of the weak 2024 draft, was the most valuable asset the Kings got for a player in his prime and two years removed from making an All-NBA team. The start of his career with his new franchise wasn’t the best, as he had to share the starting lineup and the ball with Chris Paul and only got to play a few games before Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the rest of the season with deep vein thrombosis. Fox suited up for a while longer before undergoing surgery on his hand, ending an underwhelming first stint.
After the season, the Silver and Black moved up to the second overall spot in the draft and selected Dylan Harper, a fantastic point guard prospect who turned an already crowded backcourt featuring Fox, Devin Vassell and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle into a potential logjam. There were some clamors for the Spurs to just trade Fox, who was about to enter the last year of his contract, and focus on the young guards. The desire to win now and the belief in Fox’s ability resulted in a different outcome. Fox got a max extension despite being injured in the offseason, and all eyes were on him to prove that the investment and the opportunity cost of getting him and keeping him were worth it.
It’s early, but skeptics are likely starting to change their minds on Fox as a key piece for the Spurs. The veteran shot creator is averaging 23.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting a career-high from beyond the arc. Stats are to be taken with a grain of salt when they come from just a few games, but it was always strange to expect a decline in production from Fox, since he’s only about to turn 28 years old and is arguably on the team with the most raw talent he’s ever been a part of, with respect to the Beam Team Kings. In the last four games, when he was needed the most, he’s averaged 26.5 points and 6.5 assists while living on the free-throw line and shooting well from everywhere on the floor. The Spurs have outscored opponents by a total of 18 points with him on the floor.
It’s not just the numbers that have been impressive. Fox has looked as quick as ever, showing the ability to blow past defenders off the bounce. He’s been disruptive on defense with his quick hands, getting steals. And he’s looked confident in his shot from all ranges. His passing is not elite, and he’s still building familiarity with his teammates, but he’s finding them when they are open. There have been some bad moments, which is not surprising for a player returning after months on the sidelines, but he in general has showcased the athleticism and skills that made him special.
He’s also been a fantastic culture fit so far. When Castle was around, the young guard played on the ball a lot, often initiating while Fox waited for his touches. The veteran never complained or showed discomfort with his situation. He seems to understand that this is Victor Wembanyama’s team and is happy to play second fiddle in hopes of finding the success that eluded him in Sacramento. Sure, he got his money, but someone who was the face of a franchise for a long time could have a problem taking a step back. So far, nothing suggests that’s an issue with Fox.
It’s too early to call Fox’s first full year in San Antonio a success. Tough times are still ahead, as Harper, Castle, and Wembanyama should remain sidelined for a while. The star point guard will have to handle a heavy load on offense, as he’ll often be the only creator on the floor, and defenses will continue to key in on limiting his impact and occasionally achieve it.
So far, however, Fox has been everything the Spurs were hoping for when they traded for him and then re-signed him: a perfect second star who is happy with his role but can step up when needed to keep the team afloat.
