Spurs refuse to learn crucial De'Aaron Fox lesson the NBA figured out years ago

In the aftermath of the NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs are reportedly doubling down on De'Aaron Fox. According to ESPN's Mike C. Wright, the Spurs are still fully committed to Fox, even with clear warning signs.

Fox, despite being a multi-time All-Star, doesn't appear capable of being a second option on a great team. Sure, he helped the Sacramento Kings win 48 games in the 2022-23 season.

They even boasted the best offensive rating in NBA history. However, they were defeated in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Combine that with his NBA Finals disaster class, and it seems Fox might be more of a floor-raiser than a ceiling-raiser.

De'Aaron Fox is floor-raiser rather than a ceiling-raiser

The Spurs were an up-and-coming team when they acquired him, and he seemed like the perfect fit. Of course, the Spurs have rapidly improved since trading for him. They owe some of that to Fox.

But to win a championship, he may not be a player that they can rely on to help carry them. We saw him flame out in the NBA Finals, and while some of that may have been due to an ankle injury, he was underwhelming throughout last season.

He lacked the same burst that he had with the Kings, and his finishing at the basket left a lot to be desired. But for the Spurs to get to the next level, Fox will have to regain his lost speed and, by default, his ability to attack the basket.

Fox still has plenty to offer the Spurs, although it is increasingly clear that he isn't cut out to be the team's second option. Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper both are far better options long-term.

Fox can still be useful to the Spurs, albeit in a smaller role

That still gives the Spurs an embarrassment of riches, with Fox being more of a luxury than a need. In fact, there's a scenario in which Fox might be the fourth-best player on San Antonio next season.

On one hand, that could be great, since it would mean that Castle and Harper have leveled up. On the other hand, it might mean that Fox will have played worse than last season.

Another scenario is that Fox ups his game, using the prospect of Harper surpassing him and his poor play in the NBA Finals as motivation. Two things can be true: San Antonio may have misplaced faith in Fox compared to his track record, and he still can play far better than he has.

The Spurs are counting on it, even if the rest of the NBA already realizes that he may not be cut out to be a co-star on a great team.

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