De’Aaron Fox, the star guard of the San Antonio Spurs, has found a new direction. He’s making the most of his talents in this stimulating new setting. Fox spoke at the conference about how much has changed in his career over the last year. He was thankful for the opportunity to play competitive basketball again. After a fraught and chaotic year with the Sacramento Kings, he is at ease in his new role with the Spurs. Through only 17 games, he’s averaging 23.9 points, 6.2 assists and 3.6 rebounds.
Fox’s journey has not been without challenges. Without hiding his pain, he disclosed that his most difficult concert was the summer of 2024, which was a rubicon in his long and illustrious career. Fox had injuries that kept him from playing at full strength, sometimes missing dunks due to nagging knee pain. Lou’s relocation to San Antonio is an exhilarating new beginning. He reflects on all the sacrifices he has endured. Even so, he sounds energized and prepared to beat back the odds stacked against him.
It only made things worse when Fox pressured lured Mike Brown into receiving a contract extension. Brown is Fox’s former coach from the Kings. He realized Brown family and got crushed when Brown got recognized on December 27, 2024. This was especially surprising given their fast 13-17 start to the season. Even through this misfortune, Fox is still grounded to his roots and still gives back to his home he abandoned.
“I remember when I talked to Elijah Brown, his son,” Fox said. He underscored their tight relationships that he forged while working down in Sacramento.
With the Spurs, Fox has found new confidence in his individual game and team play. In a recent game against Oklahoma City, he contributed significantly with 22 points, four assists, and two steals, helping secure a victory. His eagerness to go to war with an all-star lineup is infectious. He said, “I think there’s so much talent in this locker room, and guys want to see other guys succeed.”
Fox’s excitement isn’t limited to personal milestones — he was ecstatic about the chance to compete in the most competitive edition of the NBA Cup final so far. For him, these early games are extremely heavy and meaningful. He said, “These may be scary games—not according to what they say—but they definitely feel big.” He described how being in a competitive culture around you is important for individual growth and team growth.
He further echoed the importance that competing in these high-stakes games beforehand was necessary to get players ready for the playoffs. You show up there and you know they’re going all-in, as serious as a heart attack just like we are,” Fox continued. Second, this is great for our league to have our teams be competitive in meaningful games so early in the season. Aside from Harrison Barnes and Luke Kornet, the bulk of our roster has never faced such a caliber of competition.
His confidence continues to build after coming over from the Spurs. After a difficult onboarding process, he feels he has now found his sea legs. “I’ve been here, and I haven’t been able to stop smiling,” he shared, echoing a sentiment that’s become commonplace among his new teammates.
Fox’s decision not to sign a three-year, $165 million max extension with the Sacramento Kings was a courageous decision. This decision would have an outsized effect on determining the trajectory of his career. Fast forward to today, and he’s all in on expanding San Antonio on the positive path they’ve started. He now has a four-year, $229 million contract extension with the Spurs signed and sealed. This deal is a further testament to his commitment to the franchise and their collective vision moving forward.
Fox’s ambition for the Spurs stretches beyond individual accolades. He wants to establish a standard of reaching the playoffs annually. “You make the playoffs and then you try to build on top of that,” he said. And that’s not just jumping from the 3rd seed to the 1st seed. It only requires being a perennial playoff contender. I didn’t feel like we were there.
De’Aaron Fox has run away from the Sacramento Kings. Now he’s on a pretty thrilling new chapter as assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs. His determination to succeed alongside his teammates is evident as he celebrates new beginnings amidst past challenges. With a renewed focus and an impressive start to the season, Fox is ready to contribute to a franchise that welcomes his talent and enthusiasm.
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