NBA

Stat of the Week: De’Aaron Fox Has Played His Way Into Strong Company

Aug 24, 2022, 11:43 AM

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 13: De"u2019Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles against the Toront...

(Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

(Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

Since the beginning of the 2020-21 season, Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox has proven that he possesses the ability to become an All-Star in the very near future.

Over Fox’s past two seasons (117 games), the 24-year-old is averaging 24.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game on 47 percent shooting from the field and 31 percent shooting from beyond the three-point arc.

Although Fox hasn’t been named to an All-Star team during his five-year career, the speedy guard is playing his way into the discussion by placing himself among some impressive names in the NBA landscape.

Fox has scored 30 or more points and dished out five or more assists in a single game on 28 occasions since the opening night of the 2020-21 season. Only eight other players have done so more in that period, and there are likely some names that you will recognize on this list:

Fox’s numbers align with some of the best players in the league, but of course, winning is what sets these players aside from the Kings’ franchise guard.

If Fox wants to receive the respect and recognition that the players on this list get around the basketball landscape, the young guard will have to will his team to a successful season for the first time in nearly two decades. With two-time All-Star center Domantas Sabonis in the fold for a full season and noted perimeter threats Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter on the roster, Fox has the tools around him to lead this team on a run in 2022-23.

Following Sacramento’s stunning February trade that sent second-year guard Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers in return for Sabonis, Fox went on a tear during his final 16 appearances of the regular season:

  • 16 games
  • 28.9 PTS
  • 4.3 REB
  • 6.8 AST
  • 1.0 STL
  • 50% FG
  • 38% 3PT
  • 38.5 MIN

YouTube video

If Fox and Sabonis can stay on the floor for a majority of Sacramento’s 82 games this season, you have to feel good about the idea of this team making a push for the Western Conference Play-In. It all starts in a little less than a month from now when players and coaches will report to Golden 1 Center for training camp.

We’re almost there, Kings fans.

Newsletter

NBA

Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown shouts to his team during their game against the Phoenix Sun...

Brenden Nunes

Coach Mike Brown explains increasing the physicality on both ends

Mike Brown, head coach of the Sacramento Kings, spoke about improving the physicality on both ends after day two of training camp.

3 hours ago

Chris Duarte #3 of the Indiana Pacers reacts in front of his bench after scoring in the first half ...

Brenden Nunes

Chris Duarte is healthy and ready to contribute to the Sacramento Kings

Chris Duarte, heading into his first season as a member of the Sacramento Kings, is healthy and ready to find a way to contribute.

6 hours ago

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 02: JaVale McGee #00 of the Sacramento Kings poses for a photo at ...

Frankie Cartoscelli

JaVale McGee says he can bring energy, winning experience to Kings

Sacramento Kings center JaVale McGee spoke to the local media for the first time since being signed as a free agent.

10 hours ago

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 02: Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings poses for a photo at...

Frankie Cartoscelli

Keegan Murray says he feels more comfortable heading into Year 2

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray says he feels much more comfortable heading into his sophomore NBA season.

10 hours ago

Kevin Huerter talks at Kings media day....

Joseph Jarosz

Kings’ Kevin Huerter says last year’s playoff loss is ‘fuel for this year’s motivation’

At Kings media day Monday, guard Kevin Huerter discussed how he spent his summer and what his expectations are for this season.

1 day ago

Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a picture during the Warriors' media day on Oc...

Joseph Jarosz

Steve Kerr announces Chris Paul will be in preseason opener starting lineup

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr announced Tuesday that Chris Paul will be in the starting lineup for Saturday's preseason game.

1 day ago

Stat of the Week: De’Aaron Fox Has Played His Way Into Strong Company