Spurs’ obvious De'Aaron Fox replacement is gaining traction by the game

In the aftermath of a disappointing Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs star De'Aaron Fox's performance has been under the microscope. He scored just 10 points and didn't get going until the fourth quarter.

By then, the Spurs offense was struggling and could have used Fox to get them baskets throughout the game. Instead, he mostly disappeared. To be fair to Fox, Victor Wembanyama wasn't much better offensively, though Fox has had plenty of similar games to his Game 1 performance.

Meanwhile, rookie Dylan Harper thoroughly outplayed Fox from the bench, scoring 18 points, on 7-13 shooting in 23 minutes.

If Fox continues to play like he did, then the Spurs may have to rely more on a rookie than their star, who will begin a max contract next season.

Dylan Harper is the heir apparent to De'Aaron Fox

Harper has arguably outplayed Fox thus far in the playoffs. That proves two things: his ceiling is incredibly high, and the Spurs have a looming problem with Fox.

Don't get me wrong, Fox will probably still have a couple of big games during the Spurs' second-round series. Nevertheless, for whatever reason, he hasn't been able to consistently lift the Silver and Black.

Worse yet, if that continues to be the case, it creates an awkward situation. One where the Spurs may be starting a player who isn't as good as the one they have coming off the bench.

If Fox isn't more consistent, the Spurs may trade him sooner than later

I'm not suggesting that the Spurs trade Fox this summer, but for them to beat the Timberwolves, they may have to rely on him less. Fewer minutes for Fox, more minutes for Harper, and San Antonio should be able to claw their way back into the series.

If not, they will have to live and die by Fox, and it's anyone's guess how he will play from game to game. Obviously, it's in everyone's best interest to have him play well.

There were some positive takeaways from Game 1, namely him attacking the paint when Rudy Gobert got benched.

Still, Harper was the better player against the Wolves and is rapidly becoming the better player overall. Given Fox's massive contract, he will almost inevitably have to be moved, and if and when that happens, Harper is his clear replacement.

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