De'Aaron Fox hit a bit of a rut as the San Antonio Spurs went on the Rodeo Road Trip, but since returning to Texas, he's gotten right back into his All-Star form.
When the San Antonio Spurs swung the blockbuster trade with the Sacramento Kings for De'Aaron Fox, it was widely expected that he would take over as the second-best player on the roster, behind only Victor Wembanyama.
For the most part, he's lived up to the hype, although Stephon Castle is quickly eclipsing him, and an uncharacteristic cold stretch didn't do him any favors.
On the Rodeo Road Trip, Fox posted only 14.4 points, six assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting a disapoioing 32.4% from deep. Of course, the Spurs lost only one game during that stretch.
Since then, he has kicked things up a notch and is a big reason why the Spurs are currently riding a five-game win streak.
De'Aaron Fox Is Playing As Advertised
Since returning to San Antonio, Fox is posting 23.3 points and 7.8 assists, and has mastered the mid-range, shooting well ver 50% from the floor.
Despite only making the playoffs once in his career, Fox knows that players on great teams need to save their best for last.
"Once you get a taste of the postseason, it's like you kind of figure out ways to get through the regular season and try to be playing your best towards the end of the season, going into the postseason," he explained, outlining his recent resurgence.
The Spurs see Fox, Harrison Barnes, and Luke Koprnet as key veteran leaders, and for good reason. Those three guys are the only players in the regular rotation with playoff experience.
"He's kicked it into another gear for sure," said Mitch Johnson of Fox. "I think the eye test proves it. I think his numbers prove it. I think that's an adult who's hitting his stride and turning it on when we need to and when he's trying to lead by example, and we need it."
While there was some doubt surrounding Fox's long-term future in San Antonio, if this is the new normal his teammates can expect, there's no reason to think he will wear a different jersey anytime soon.
Plus, when the Spurs play in the postseason, having a former Clutch Player of the Year will be a massive advantage.