Perk believes Kings got it right by drafting, extending Fox

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Even with the Kings currently sitting at a 16-24 record, De’Aaron Fox continues to shine. The 23-year-old is averaging 23.7 points and 7.7 assists per game. 

For former NBA champion and current NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins, he not only isn’t surprised by Fox’s dominance, but praised the Kings for holding on to the point guard after drafting him. 

“When you look at De’Aaron Fox, the Kings really did right by one, drafting him, signing him -- this is a Texas boy, by the way he’s from Texas, H-Town -- that gets better every single year,” Perkins told NBC Sports California on Friday. “He should have been an All-Star this year, they finally did something right in Sacramento. They drafted him, they stuck with him, they paid the money he deserves and it’s paying off well.”

Fox signed a max five-year, $163 million contract extension this offseason, solidifying his role as the face of the Kings' franchise.

Perkins, also a Houston native, said when it comes to the trade deadline, Fox is one of the guys on the Kings that is off-limits. Well him, and rookie Tyrese Haliburton.

As Perk said, Fox was snubbed as a 2021 NBA All-Star Game reserve this year, it might have worked out in his favor anyway. Fox believed holding an All-Star Game in Atlanta this year  was “stupid.”

"If we have to wear masks and do all this for a regular game,” Fox said in February, “What’s the point of bringing the All-Star Game back?"

Fox did say if he were selected, which was well-deserved if that were the case, he would have played in the game.

RELATED: Fox comes up clutch for Kings late, continues development

"You know you get fined if you’re supposed to be in it and you’re not hurt and decide not to play? That’s a hefty fine so hell yeah I would play in it,” he said. “I hope I don’t fined for staying that.”

Either way, Fox certainly was deserving of the honors, especially since he’s becoming the face of the team.

Perk was right. The Kings made a smart decision in the 2017 draft by selecting Fox, and eventually getting him to sign on the dotted line.

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