De’Aaron Fox may not have lifted the NBA Cup trophy with the Spurs, but if there’s one thing that came out of San Antonio’s Finals run, it’s this: Fox’s defense is no longer flying under the radar.
For years, Fox has built his reputation on speed, scoring, and playmaking-earning the nickname “Swipa” for his quick hands and knack for racking up steals. But what we’re seeing now in San Antonio is a more complete version of the player who spent his first seven seasons in Sacramento. And it’s time to start talking about how he’s holding his own-and then some-on the defensive end.
A Two-Way Presence Emerging in San Antonio
Nate Duncan of the Dunc’d On podcast was among those to spotlight Fox’s defense during the Spurs' recent stretch, including their NBA Cup Finals appearance and a win over the Thunder. Duncan called Fox “above average” defensively for a star point guard, which might sound like faint praise until you realize how rare that is.
Most elite offensive point guards are liabilities on the other side of the ball. Fox?
He’s not just holding his ground-he’s helping anchor a perimeter defense with no obvious weak links.
Take San Antonio’s matchup with the Knicks. Fox found himself switched onto Jalen Brunson multiple times, and while Brunson didn’t disappear, he also didn’t take over.
That’s a win in itself. Fox didn’t get torched, didn’t get hunted in mismatches, and gave San Antonio one less thing to worry about when defending one of the league’s craftiest scorers.
No Easy Targets in the Spurs' Rotation
That’s been a theme with this Spurs team. Opposing offenses are having a tough time finding someone to pick on.
Even veterans like Harrison Barnes, who might seem like a logical target, aren’t easy marks thanks to their size and physicality. And when you’ve got Victor Wembanyama patrolling the paint, perimeter defenders don’t need to be perfect-just solid.
Fox has been more than solid. He’s been reliable, engaged, and, most importantly, consistent.
And here’s the kicker: San Antonio didn’t bring him in for defense. They brought him in to lead the offense, to push the pace, to create shots, and to be the guy with the ball in his hands when it matters.
And he’s done that-at a top-five level, no less-even while the Spurs were without two of their three best players for a 10-game stretch. That alone is impressive.
Add in the fact that he’s contributing on defense? That’s house money.
A Trade That’s Paying Off
Let’s be real-Fox’s defensive growth might’ve gone unnoticed if he were still in Sacramento. It’s not exactly the national spotlight, and unless the Kings were playing a marquee team, most fans weren’t tuning in. But now, in San Antonio, with the Spurs back in meaningful games and playoff contention, Fox’s all-around game is getting the attention it deserves.
And when you look at the alternatives the Spurs could’ve pursued-say, Trae Young or Darius Garland-the decision to trade for Fox looks even better. Young might bring more offensive flash, but he’s a defensive liability.
Garland is a gifted passer, but he’s had his share of injury issues and doesn’t offer the same two-way impact. Fox, on the other hand, is showing he can be the engine of an offense and a steady hand on defense.
Oh, and let’s not forget the deal itself. With Rich Paul helping navigate the trade from Sacramento, the Spurs got a franchise-caliber point guard without giving up the farm. That’s not just a win-it’s a blueprint for how to build around a young core like Wembanyama and company.
Bottom Line
De’Aaron Fox is doing exactly what the Spurs hoped he would do-and more. The scoring, the leadership, the clutch shot-making?
That was expected. But the defense?
That’s the bonus that could take San Antonio from a fun young team to a legitimate contender. Fox isn’t just “Swipa” anymore.
He’s a two-way threat, and he’s proving it every night.