SACRAMENTO -- De’Aaron Fox continues to show signs of growth. In his second NBA season, the fifth overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft is not only putting up points and assists, he’s learning how to lead a team to victory.
Against the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday evening, he had what looked like a quiet night on paper, but a closer examination tells the story of a player who is learning to impact a game in some many different ways.
Fox turned in a solid 16 points, 10-assists, and four rebounds in the 121-110 victory. He shot just 3 of 7 from the field, but he got to the line 12 times and knocked down nine of his free throws.
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It was the first time this season that Fox failed to register a turnover, and his growth on the court is intriguing to track.
“Decision-making is getting better,” Fox told reporters following the game. “A lot of my turnovers are really from passing and I feel like today I really saw the game well. I was getting to the free-throw line and I was able to put the ball on the money.”
There weren’t any hollow assists in this game. The 20-year-old point guard pushed the tempo at every opportunity. The Kings played with pace, attempting 95 field-goal attempts while going to the free-throw line another 29 times.
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“We just keep running,” Fox said. “Even if they score, we’re not worried about that, we’re getting the ball up and down the court and that can definitely be kind of demoralizing as a team.”
This is Fox’s offense. It was built for him to run, and through 12 games this season, he’s done a remarkable job of taking ownership over a team filled with young players.
“I think he really started slow tonight,” coach Dave Joerger said. “It was one of those nights, but his assist numbers were solid and I think as he got involved in the game - I want more. I want him to have it more, I want him to attack more. I want him to make more plays.”
Joerger also wants Fox to play with an edge from start to finish. The former Kentucky star is learning what it’s like to control the tempo of a game, and you can see his mentality changing on the court. But it’s a process.
A season ago, Fox wasn’t capable of competing at the level he is now. He worked on his body in the offseason. He spent time in the gym ironing out the kinks in his 3-point shot. Maybe more importantly, he matured both on and off the court.
The early returns are strong. Fox is averaging 18.5 points, 7.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 32.3 minutes per game for the Kings. More importantly, he has his team at an unexpected 7-5 on the season, and playing an exciting brand of basketball.