De’Aaron Fox is suddenly more important than ever before to the Spurs

With just 16 games remaining in the regular season for the San Antonio Spurs, they need star De’Aaron Fox now more than ever. Fox was acquired last season from the Sacramento Kings to be Victor Wembanyama's co-star.

It hasn't quite worked out that way thus far, with him taking a backseat to Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. Fortunately, he has increased his scoring of late, suggesting that he is ramping up for the playoffs.

That could be huge for San Antonio, who has seemingly asked him to fit in rather than stand out thus far this season. He has played his role masterfully, even playing as a defacto shooting guard for much of the season.

However, they need Fox to be ready to return to his peak Sacramento scoring levels if the Spurs want to make noise in the playoffs.

De’Aaron Fox has never been more important to the Spurs than now

Fox has been asked to play a variety of roles this season, including mentor, and his presence has made a big impact.

For instance, Castle initially struggled with turnovers this season. Since then, he has dramatically improved in that regard thanks to Fox playing alongside him. Having an experienced ball-handler likely provides an underrated boost to both Castle and Dylan Harper.

Without him, those two young players' flaws would likely be amplified. The same can be said for Wembanyama.

When Fox missed the first eight games of the season, Wembanyama saw double and even triple teams, but teams have since changed strategies to account for him playing with another all-star.

De’Aaron Fox maximizes the Spurs' young core's potential

Many of Wemby's best games this season have come when playing alongside Fox, including scoring 38 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves and 39 against the Detroit Pistons. both excellent defensive teams.

That's a great sign for the playoffs, with only the best defenses making the postseason and the game slowing down. San Antonio needs Fox to not only draw attention away from Castle, Harper, and Wembanyama, but also put up points.

His scoring output has been on the rise with him averaging 24 points and 8 assists over his last five games. The Silver and Black will need him to score at least at that level if they have any hope of a deep playoff run.