De'Aaron Fox reveals his GOAT and talks about his sponsorship with Stephen Curry's brand

In an interview with HoopsHype, De'Aaron Fox discussed various topics such as his sponsorship with Stephen Curry's brand, the arrival of a player like DeMar DeRozan at the Sacramento Kings, and what he has improved. He also revealed who he considers the GOAT, the greatest of all time, in the NBA, talked about his new sneakers, and his relationship with Malik Monk, among many other things.

How does the Fox 1 footwear reflect your personality and playing style?

Something very important to me was that I wanted the shoe to have the structure of running footwear, given how I play. A lot of stopping and starting, many cuts and things of that nature. So, I needed to have that kind of support but in a basketball shoe. That was key for me in designing the shoe.

What does it feel like to have an exclusive footwear, not only with Under Armour but also being part of Curry Brand?

Being the first player under the Curry brand is, on one hand, historic. But I also felt that I could be one of those players who drive the brand forward, as others have done with Jordan for years. For the years to come, I felt I could be the first or one of the first to help Curry grow the brand. And, obviously, at the end of the day, that also benefits me. So, I thought it was a great business decision for both parties. And I truly love the product. I spoke highly of the product even before we had conversations about signing with the brand. So, I believe that organic growth has made this process even better.

What's it like playing with DeMar DeRozan in Sacramento?

It's been great. Just the way he gets to his spots on the court makes the game seem so easy. When he's playing, you have to send double teams to him. So, it makes the game much easier for everyone else on the court with him.

How is it having that connection with Malik Monk, considering you've known each other for a long time?

I definitely think it's great, especially when you can make a deal and have that feeling of security. But getting to play together again post-college and getting the team out of a playoff drought has been special. We know we still have a lot to achieve, and we want to be a team that can compete for championships. But truly, loving the teammates you play with makes it easier to play with them, and allows us to push each other without taking things personally.

What sets you apart from other point guards in your bid for an All-NBA spot this season?

For me, it's about continuing to impact the game on both ends of the court. Even if I'm not scoring, I can be a player who integrates into an All-Defensive team and things like that. I think the important thing about me is that I play on both sides of the ball. I can average 25 points, but I can also shut someone down if necessary. That's a big thing for me. Additionally, having someone like DeMar who can control the offense, and teammates like Domas and Malik, allows me to be effective on both ends of the court. I think that's what sets me apart from many players.

How do you balance personal motivation for a "supermax" with team goals?

I don't think about it. I go out and try to do whatever it takes to help my team win. Those things come when they have to come. Winning solves many problems as well. So, I don't go out thinking about that. I play my game.

After breaking the playoff drought and reaching the play-in, what are the team's expectations now?

You definitely want to keep building. And, obviously, having 46 wins last year isn't bad, but in the West, it's not enough. I think a lot of this has to do with winning the games you should win. And of course, in close games, trying to win as many as possible. Last year, we lost a lot of 20-point leads. If we won those games, we would probably have had 53 or 54 wins instead of 46. So for us, a lot of this is about coming through when you're supposed to.

What's the next level you're trying to reach as a player?

For me, a lot has to do with shooting, being a better shooter, a high-level shooter. I feel I can attack the basket and defend anyone. But improving my shooting, especially when playing with DeMar, can make things much easier. Playing off the ball, capitalizing on passes, is much easier than having to create my own shot. If I can keep getting better at that, it helps my team with spacing on the court and gives them better opportunities.

You've improved efficiency in the mid-range and are getting to the free-throw line more often. Was there a change in your approach this preseason?

I don't know. I simply placed more emphasis on getting into the paint. I've always been among the best in the league in that aspect. But the more I do it, the more opportunities my teammates have, the more I get to the line, and the more I can score in the paint. That opens up the game for my teammates. If I keep attacking and they don't help, my job is easier. If they help, my teammates' job is easier.

Your putback percentage has increased this year. Is that intentional or just how the plays have developed?

We're a smaller team, not a super big team. So knowing that I need to help the bigs with rebounds is something I've set out to do. When I get rebounds, the fast break is much quicker because they don't have to look for me to pass the ball to me; I can push it myself. That allows us to play more in transition. It's a conscious effort on my part.

You've been lethal in transition this year. Has that been a focus with DeMar DeRozan on the team?

Yes, he makes it easier. And, obviously, having someone like Domas who can grab the rebound and push the ball himself is an advantage. You don't need to look for a specific person; we have several players who can quickly bring the ball up the court. That has been a focal point for the team: we want to play fast, both on makes and misses. But when we manage to stop the opponent, the game becomes much easier.

What do you see as the biggest obstacle for the team this season?

I think a lot has to do with health and other things you can't control. Staying healthy, continuing to build our chemistry, and focusing on defense. When we manage to stop opponents and keep them at a low shooting percentage, I think we give ourselves a better chance to win.

What do you think of the 35% increase in reported injuries this year?

I think it's crazy. I don't have a clear opinion on it. Those things happen. Obviously, we wish injuries weren't part of the sport, but they happen, and most of the time, you can't control them.

Who is your GOAT and why?

What MJ did in 15 years is amazing. But what LeBron has done in his career and continues to do is insane. I'd say LeBron. I didn't see Michael Jordan play, so I'm not going to pick someone I didn't watch play.

How involved were you in the design of the Fox 1, and what makes this shoe better for a player of your style?

I was extremely involved from the first step to the final product. They would ask me questions, I'd answer, and from one answer, they'd draw out 30 or 40 different concepts. Being in that process was very interesting.

As a point guard, you want to be able to run and stop on a dime, knowing that your shoes won't slip. And I think that's something very specific to UA and Curry Brand, not just my shoe. But I think point guards, in particular, would love the feel of the shoe and the traction it offers. You never have to worry about slipping, unless there's a wet area, of course, but that can't be helped.

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