The San Antonio Spurs are only one recreation into the De’Aaron Fox period, and it’s already clear that the probabilities are infinite.
On Wednesday, the San Antonio Spurs received their first recreation with De’Aaron Fox within the lineup, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 126-125. The Spurs led by as a lot as 20 factors earlier than permitting a large Hawks’ comeback, however they have been capable of hold on for the win.
As part of the commerce with the Sacramento Kings, the Spurs traded away backup middle Zach Collins. In Monday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, bench massive Charles Bassey sprained his MCL, so the Spurs are down fairly a little bit of depth within the frontcourt.
Jersey Sochan was capable of rating an environment friendly 15 factors off the bench as a small-ball middle, nevertheless it’s clear that the Spurs’ roster wants some additions as they attempt to compete. Nonetheless, Fox’s 24 factors, 13 assists, and three steals in his debut bodes effectively for the Spurs.
Whereas the win definitely wasn’t good, the Spurs’ beginning lineup of Chris Paul, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Victor Wembanyama, and Fox laid a promising blueprint.
After the sport, the Spurs mirrored on what Fox brings to the desk and the way they’ll construct on his skillset this season and in coming years.
“As a coach, that’s as full of a recreation as you’d hope for within the first recreation,” mentioned Spurs’ appearing head coach Mitch Johnson.
“You noticed the potential; it’s tantalizing, he’s dynamic, he’s going to unlock an entire completely different component for our staff, and there’s nonetheless a ton to work on and enhance upon, and be wanting for extra, so I believe as a coach, to have the ability to have each of these issues and get a win, there are some issues we’ll sit up for constructing upon.”
Due to Fox unlocking the perfect in Wembanyama on each side of the ball, the Spurs have been capable of rack up 16 steals and dish out 36 assists within the win, they usually regarded like a brand new staff.
Including Fox was the results of one dire want in San Antonio: get Wembanyama a co-star. The 2 rapidly showcased that they are often the perfect duo within the league, and by including some depth behind the younger middle, the Spurs can take their present roster to the following degree.
Nonetheless, with younger guards in Vassell and Stephon Fortress capable of thrive each on and off the ball, Fox can put the Spurs able to embrace versatility, which can accomplish that far more than simply add to Wembanyama’s dominance
“The flexibility of who was initiating after which ending the play was such a variety of combos that it actually does, if you’re the opposite staff, you’re looking for options,” mentioned Johnson whereas praising the Spurs’ potential transferring ahead.
“The potential is what the potential is, I’m not going to downplay that. De’Aaron Fox is a dynamic participant, to say the least.”
With a core of younger position gamers, a star on the high of his recreation, and a participant with the potential to be the perfect basketball participant ever, it’s secure to say that the Spurs have nowhere to go however up, particularly as they proceed to make roster strikes.
