De’Aaron Fox Named All-Star Replacement, Joins Wembanyama for Spurs Duo in L.A.
SAN ANTONIO - De’Aaron Fox had planned on a quiet All-Star break, maybe sneaking in some gym time, getting shots up, and enjoying a rare midseason breather. But the NBA had other plans.
On Thursday, Commissioner Adam Silver officially named the Spurs point guard to the 75th NBA All-Star Game, stepping in as a replacement following Giannis Antetokounmpo’s withdrawal due to a right calf strain. Antetokounmpo hasn’t played since Jan. 23, and his absence triggered a reshuffling in what’s already a new-look All-Star format: Team USA vs. Team World.
Here’s how the dominoes fell. Miami Heat guard Norman Powell, originally selected for Team USA and who has Jamaican roots, slides over to the World roster to fill Giannis’ spot. That move opens up a vacancy on the U.S. side - and Fox gets the call.
For Fox, this marks his second All-Star selection, and it comes in the middle of a strong season for both him and his team. The 28-year-old floor general is averaging 19.4 points and 6.3 assists through 45 games, helping guide the Spurs to the second-best record in the Western Conference. He’s been the engine behind their up-tempo attack, blending speed, vision, and poise in a way that’s made him a nightmare to defend in transition and a calming presence in crunch time.
His All-Star nod comes just a day after he dropped a team-high 27 points in a comeback win over the Golden State Warriors - a performance that showcased exactly why he belongs among the league’s elite. After the game, Fox was asked about his All-Star break plans. At the time, he was expecting a quiet weekend.
“No. No.
I’m going to be at home,” Fox said with a smile. “I’m not doing much.
… Plus, it’s easier to get in the gym and easier to get shots up. So, I don’t have to worry about that.”
Well, scratch that.
Now, Fox will be joining rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama in Los Angeles, giving San Antonio a rare pair of representatives on the league’s biggest midseason stage. Wembanyama, who was named a starter for the first time, has been turning heads all season with his two-way dominance and highlight-reel plays. Together, they’ll give Spurs fans something to celebrate - a sign that the franchise’s future is not just promising, but already making waves on the national stage.
Fox’s selection is more than just a replacement - it’s recognition of a player who’s quietly become one of the most reliable and respected guards in the league. And while he may have been planning to stay home, the NBA spotlight has a way of finding players who’ve earned it.