When the San Antonio Spurs landed Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 pick in 2023, the blueprint was clear: build a roster that complements their generational talent. That meant finding a backcourt partner who could not only take pressure off Wemby, but also elevate the offense and set the tone in big moments.
The Spurs had options-plenty of them. From Trae Young to Darius Garland to De’Aaron Fox, they were in the conversation for just about every high-level point guard on the market.
Ultimately, they zeroed in on Fox, pulling the trigger on a deal just before last season’s trade deadline. Fast forward a year, and it’s becoming increasingly obvious: San Antonio nailed it.
Fox has been everything the Spurs needed-and then some.
While other point guard situations around the league have shifted or unraveled (most notably, Trae Young being moved to the Wizards just last week), Fox has become a stabilizing force in San Antonio. He’s averaging nearly 21 points, four rebounds, and six assists per game while shooting 47% from the field.
His true shooting percentage sits at a solid 57%, and the team is +3.8 in net rating when he’s on the floor. Those are numbers that speak to both efficiency and impact.
But where Fox has truly separated himself is in the clutch.
He leads the team in clutch minutes and shares the team lead in clutch scoring-three points per game-with Wembanyama. When the game tightens up, Fox steps up.
The Spurs are a staggering +21.6 in net rating with him on the court during clutch time. That’s not just good-it’s elite.
It’s the kind of presence you want when the game slows down, the lights get brighter, and every possession matters.
His chemistry with Wembanyama has been a revelation. The two have developed a rhythm that’s tough to defend-Fox’s quickness and control blend beautifully with Wemby’s length and versatility.
But it’s not just a two-man show. Fox has also meshed well with the Spurs’ other young guards, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, forming a dynamic trio that gives San Antonio a strong foundation in the backcourt for years to come.
The Spurs clearly see that too. They locked up Fox with a four-year extension this past summer, signaling their belief that he’s not just a short-term fit-he’s a long-term pillar.
And when you look at how the roster has come together, it’s easy to see why Fox was the right choice. Trae Young, for all his offensive firepower, would’ve required a complete overhaul on both ends of the floor.
His style demands a system built around him. Fox, on the other hand, has slotted in seamlessly.
He brings scoring, playmaking, and leadership-without needing to dominate the ball or compromise the team’s defensive identity.
In a league where guard play can make or break a young team’s development, the Spurs made a move that’s aging like fine wine. Fox isn’t just helping Wemby shine-he’s helping the entire Spurs operation take a big step forward. And if this core continues to grow together, San Antonio might look back at the Fox trade as the moment their next great era truly began.