De'Aaron Fox perfectly answered the call for the Spurs in steady All-Star season

In the middle of a transition period between a rebuilding team and a championship contender, the Spurs needed a glue guy to bring everything together. Most of all, they needed a leader and somebody who could keep the team afloat when they needed it the most.

De'Aaron Fox was that and more in his first full season in Silver and Black. Following his mid-season arrival last season, many fans were skeptical of how the former Kings leader would fit on a guard-heavy and Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs team.

Now, after a full 82 games, we see that it was a match made in heaven. Although Fox didn't produce an explosive offensive season, he delivered on expectations as a sound, steady veteran presence.

De'Aaron Fox filled every void left open by the previous team

To become a true championship-caliber squad, you must have a seasoned playmaker who can set the table as well as someone who can close games in clutch situations. These are two of the most important ingredients to a winning team. If you don't believe me, take a look at the Rockets this season.

Prior to De'Aaron Fox, the Spurs didn't have that. Stephon Castle is still growing as a playmaker and learning how to function as a lead ball handler. And as much as we love Victor Wembanyama, he hasn't proven that he can take over close games quite yet. Perhaps this postseason, he will prove that wrong.

Trading for De'Aaron Fox was the final infinity stone. He eased all of the Spurs' worries and gave them someone they could count on every night. In the 2025-26 season, the bouncy guard proved his worth and showed the front office that they made the right decision.

De'Aaron Fox was inconsistent yet steady on offense

It wasn't the most electric De'Aaron Fox season we have ever seen. In fact, his 18.6 points per game were his lowest since his sophomore season in 2018-19. Despite that, he still earned just his second All-Star Game appearance of his career. Why? Because he was a winning player.

De'Aaron wasn't asked to do a lot this season. The Spurs didn't need him to be his 25 points-per-game self. What they needed from him was a consistent force that would chip in when needed. So, when the Spurs were up by 20 at halftime with Victor Wembanyama dropping 40, Fox wasn't necessarily needed.

Because of that, you will find plenty of games below 15 points. But this shouldn't detract from his value. Even in those games, Fox was running the pick-and-roll with Victor Wembanyama, excelling in the drive-and-kick game and allowing his young teammates to spread their wings. His 6.2 assists per game are a great reflection of that.

With a lower load on his shoulders, Fox found more efficient shots for himself. Scoring in his typical way, around the basket and in the mid-range, the dynamo shot an effective 48.6% from the field. This mark is the second-best of his career.

From a bird's-eye view, it wasn't an overly productive season for the Swipa. He did what he was asked to and stepped up when needed. This season won't go into the history books, but he should be remembered as the catalyst of a 62-win season. Without De'Aaron Fox, the Spurs wouldn't have accelerated the way they did.

Grade: B

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