The unspoken truth about De'Aaron Fox's Spurs role is oddly calming

When San Antonio traded for De'Aaron Fox, most fans naturally penciled him in as Victor Wembanyama's co-star and the team's unquestioned second option. His max contract also suggests as much. But that's not really what's happened with the rise of Stephon Castle.

The numbers match the eye test, painting a different picture, and we should only expect Fox to star in his role as the number three guy even more next season.

Fox is even better as the Spurs' third option

Swipa had the second-highest field goal attempts per game during the regular season, but Castle had the higher usage rate. The sophomore guard initiated the offense more, dominating more possessions. Now, it wasn't by very much (24.3 to 24.2), but that discrepancy increased in the playoffs (24.5 to 22.3).

Fox mostly gets his shots within the flow of the offense, and that worked for the Spurs. They'd be wise to lean into that, and they probably will. It was only the first full season for this group, so the continuity will make things much easier as long as egos continue to take a backseat to winning.

San Antonio's speedy point guard can approach the offseason with an understanding of how to be most effective in the offense going forward. He has the benefit of experience in the system now. The importance of that can't be understated, and history is on his side.

Fox's second full year with the Spurs should be even smoother

To be clear, Swipa had a good run during the 2025-26 campaign. He averaged 19 points on 49% FG. His three-point shot was pretty awful in the back half of the season, but other than that, he was pretty efficient. Still, there's always room for improvement. Just look at Chris Bosh and Kevin Love.

Bosh was the man in Toronto before joining LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami. He was solid in the first year, but he didn't truly settle in his role until the second full year as the third option.

The same thing happened to Kevin Love, coming from the Timberwolves as the head honcho to being number 3 behind Bron and Kyrie Irving in Cleveland.

They weren't worse players; it just took them time to adjust from being the primary to, at times, an afterthought.

The Spurs just don't need Fox to become his Sacramento variant. They need him to become the best San Antonio version he can be. Those aren't the same player. One carried a franchise, and the other must help elevate a team as a cog in an already powerful machine anchored by Victor Wembanyama.

And with an improved Stephon Castle dominating the floor even more, Fox should have even more space to react off the open reads he'll get.

After a full offseason to embrace that reality, don't be surprised if Fox looks more comfortable and, by extension, more dangerous than ever.

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