De'Aaron Fox drives the San Antonio Spurs crazy against Victor Wembanyama

The excitement over the transfer of De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs was palpable from Monday morning during the team's practice. While Victor Wembanyama was shooting one-legged three-pointers from the corner, general manager Brian Wright took a seat on the court, and under the hoop, interim coach Mitch Johnson conversed with Harrison Barnes to learn more about Fox, his former teammate in Sacramento for six seasons.

"Though there is a lot of focus on Victor, on the timeline, on the development, and on the journey we have gone through, sometimes this league dictates the ability or opportunity to do it on the bigger stage," Johnson said. "When you add a player like De'Aaron Fox to an already solid foundation, there will be opinions and expectations about what it means and the timeline. We'll delve into that, but we won't shy away from the reality of adding good players and what that entails."

San Antonio formalized Fox's acquisition as part of a three-team trade that included several players and draft picks. Thus, the Spurs acquire an All-Star point guard and a key player in critical moments, who will form a duo with Wembanyama, the current Rookie of the Year and upcoming All-Star debutant. Wright and the leadership managed the move without giving up Chris Paul, Barnes, or their young talents like Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, or Keldon Johnson.

With Fox, San Antonio adds a quick scorer who ranks fourth in points generated on drives this season. He could also establish a lethal pick-and-roll combination with Wembanyama. According to Second Spectrum data, Fox averages 1.13 points per direct play as a ball handler in pick-and-rolls, the sixth best mark in the NBA. Wembanyama, on the other hand, records 1.16 points per direct play as a screener, the second-best figure in the league.

"He's a player who causes a lot of problems and disrupts the opponent's game plan," Wembanyama commented after the 128-109 loss to Memphis on Monday. "I've played against him several times, and he's someone you can't neglect defensively for even a second, or he'll surpass you. He's also a very interesting piece on defense. He can take on important roles on that side of the court."

Fox, 27, averages 25.0 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.0 rebounds this season and has been among the top three in baskets in crucial moments in the last three years. The Spurs have a 9-11 record in clutch games.

"Who do you stop between those two?" Vassell asked at the end of practice. "I think we'll play much faster and be in constant transition. Fox at point guard and Wemby in the pick-and-roll... Then you have me, Julian Champagnie, and other shooters. Our offense will be exciting, and on defense, we can press. I know Fox likes to defend the entire court and change the game's pace. He'll help us on both ends."

That's precisely what Barnes was explaining to Johnson. After their chat, Barnes smiled when asked if they were already devising strategies for Fox.

"It's always good to share knowledge," Barnes said. "[Johnson] has the perspective of a competitor who played against him, and I have the perspective of being his teammate. It's about combining that. In the NBA, things change quickly, and you have to adapt. I believe we are ready."

Fox's arrival means that one of San Antonio's regular starters could move to a bench role. Johnson mentioned that Paul and Fox could share the starting five, which would see Castle move to the bench after starting 29 games as a rookie.

"Basketball speaks for itself. He's an elite point guard, a dynamic player. Besides, he's a great person, a family man, a Texas kid," Barnes commented. "The most important thing is that he has exceptional character. When I arrived in San Antonio, I was impressed that everyone in the organization had a high level of integrity. I believe he fits in perfectly, and the best is yet to come."

Paul also highlighted what Fox brings to the team. "You bring in someone who has been an All-Star and knows what it takes to win," he said. "He constantly attracts double teams, especially in transition. The most important thing I know our team can benefit from is his competitiveness. I'm excited to have him here."

Fox will join the team in Atlanta before Wednesday's game against the Hawks, although it is not yet confirmed if he will make his debut then. "There's no concern about his physical condition," Johnson assured. "We know there will be an adjustment period to learn our system and terminology. There will be patience and enthusiasm from both sides. We'll work on integrating him as quickly as possible without many practice sessions."

Meanwhile, in Sacramento, interim coach Doug Christie understood well what Fox was going through, as he was also traded in the middle of the season after spending a large part of his career with the Kings. "From the first time I saw him play, I was a big fan, and this doesn't change anything," Christie said before Sacramento's 116-114 victory over Minnesota. "I told him personally."

With Fox's departure, Malik Monk assumed the starting point guard position in Sacramento and scored 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in the win. "It's been a roller coaster," Monk commented. "We lost three of our brothers, two of them had been here since I arrived. It's tough."

While he had experience distributing, Monk stated that he is still adapting. "It's a great opportunity," he concluded. "Playing as a starting point guard is a major challenge in this league, especially considering what Fox did for the organization and the city of Sacramento. I'm just trying to continue his legacy."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, De"Aaron Fox vuelve locos a los San Antonio Spurs de Victor Wembanyama