Spurs' offensive issues easily fixed by dumping their infuriating Fox strategy

The Spurs don't have to go through these offensive pains they're putting themselves through. Just put the ball in De'Aaron Fox's hands and quit playing around. We're halfway through the season, and the Silver and Black are still the number two seed, but just barely.

They've put themselves in a vulnerable position to drop from their perch because of an ill-advised trend that's taking too long to end. Stephon Castle was doing a fantastic job of running the offense early in the season, but defenses have adjusted to his style, and San Antonio hasn't responded in kind when the solution is right in front of their faces.

Spurs need to lean into Fox's strengths

When the front office traded for Swipa, most believed it was to run the offense. He's instead been just another cog expected to fit in by spotting up on the perimeter and constantly deferring to more inexperienced players. That's not the optimal way to use a former all-star and Clutch Player of the Year winner, as he's just entered his prime.

Stephon Castle was racking up the assists and putting immense pressure on defenses in the first couple of months of the season. Teams have adjusted now, and San Antonio needs to do the same.

On a recent episode of Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul, Fox's agent spoke on his client's decision to make his way to the 210. He made it clear that the former Kings star was okay with playing a secondary role. As long as he gets his chances to take the game over and close when the team needs it, things will be fine. Well, that's not enough anymore.

Swipa must take control of San Antonio's offense

Through the seven games played in January, Fox is only averaging 16 points per game. He's put up 25 a night in four of his last six seasons. At 27 years old, I promise he can still do that, but he's not getting the opportunity to do so. When the offense sputters for a while, they'll start to get him involved more, but on nights like last night, it was too late.

Coach Mitch Johnson can't allow the Spurs to fall so deep into a hole against one of the best teams in the league and think that giving his underutilized scoring guard will bring them back.

He needs to start games with the ball in his hands. When they signed Sacramento's ex-franchise playmaker, it was to pair him with Wemby and form one of the most dynamic duos in the league. They seem to have abandoned that strategy, and that's a mistake.

Vic is still young, so playing off someone as experienced as Fox is an asset to tap into, so do that. The offense doesn't have to struggle this hard.