The San Antonio Spurs’ season was hit with another heavy blow as its star Point Guard De’Aaron Fox will undergo season-ending surgery to repair tendons in his left pinkie. The injury, which occurred during training camp when Fox played for the Sacramento Kings, had bothered him for the entire season.
Since the Spurs are now 27-37 and out of play-in contention, the team opted to prioritize Fox’s long-term health. While his absence will be a short-term setback for San Antonio, the move aims to have Fox healthy again next season.
De’Aaron Fox Injury Details and Recovery Plan
Fox initially hurt the pinkie in October but continued to play through the injury. Despite the injury, he had excellent production during the year, averaging 23.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds over 62 games with the Kings and Spurs. His high point was a 60-point explosion against the Timberwolves in November. It was a Kings franchise high and the only 60-point game in the NBA this season.
The Spurs’ decision to move forward with surgery was deliberate. By getting the operation with 18 games left on the schedule, the talented guard will have ample time to recover and develop chemistry with his new teammates this summer. The Spurs are expecting Fox to be back for training camp, giving him a full summer to develop a stronger bond with the roster.
Impact On the Spurs
The Fox loss is another gigantic blow to a Spurs roster already plagued by major setbacks. San Antonio’s franchise anchor, Victor Wembanyama, was shut down in February after contracting a blood clot in his right shoulder. The young phenom had been performing well before the diagnosis, but his season was cut short after just 47 games.
Also missing from the roster has been legendary Head Coach Gregg Popovich since last November, having endured a mild stroke. The roster being in disarray, with Popovich’s status unsure and several of the team’s top players also out, has left the Spurs with an uphill battle the entire season. Despite the trials, rookie Stephon Castle, a guard, has been a shining light and is firmly entrenched in the Rookie of the Year debate.
Final Thoughts
Even though injury this season sidetracked the development of the Spurs, their future is rosy. Fox and Wembanyama shared just five games playing together but delivered a combined 57 points for that brief stint. It showed their potential as a duo. Fox’s shooting creation and passing skills will help to alleviate Wembanyama from the load of scoring and increase his total scoring effect.
With Fox expected to return in good health come next year, Wembanyama on the mend, and Castle still looking to develop, the Spurs now have a really solid foundation. Although this year may appear to be a lost year, San Antonio’s young core of players can become a scary opponent in future years.
