One of the vital attention-grabbing moments of the Spurs’ 2025 media day got here close to the tip. When it got here De’Aaron Fox’s flip to talk, the star level guard shocked attendees by stating that his hamstring feels good, however he expects the workforce to carry him out for preseason, and he thinks he gained’t be on the market on opening night time.
It was a wierd second as a result of whereas Mitch Johnson mentioned the franchise could be cautious with all of its injured gamers, he didn’t point out that Fox was anticipated to be out. Making issues extra complicated, Fox himself prefaced the information by saying he seems like he’s able to play:
“I really feel good. I imply, I really feel like I might have performed a bit of bit in the past, however they aren’t letting me,” Fox mentioned with a smile. “We’re taking it daily, however I really feel nice.”
When requested if he was going to swimsuit up for camp or preseason, he mentioned he didn’t assume he was going to play in preseason, and he wouldn’t be prepared for opening night time.
“I feel I’m prepared, however I don’t have that experience. However we go off on how I really feel, and, like I mentioned, I really feel like I can go on the market and play proper now.”
The feedback appear considerably contradictory, as Fox repeatedly mentioned he seems like he can play and that the workforce goes off how he feels, whereas additionally stating that the medical workers has not cleared him but and may not clear him for opening night time, near a month from now. He clarified that he by no means had a hamstring harm, so he doesn’t actually know the way it’s presupposed to really feel, however the total sentiment gave the impression to be that he needs to play and feels he can, however is following the workforce’s recommendation.
As unlucky because the information is, being cautious makes quite a lot of sense. It’s doable Dylan Harper additionally misses time, as Mitch Johnson talked about he’s not been cleared for contact but. Even with these two out or restricted for some time, San Antonio must take the lengthy view coming into a season wherein there are reasonable playoff hopes. The roster has depth within the backcourt, as effectively. Stephon Fort is wholesome and prepared after understanding within the offseason. Devin Vassell can create off the dribble in a pinch. Even veteran Jordan McLaughlin might present a gradual hand and a few capturing off the bench for a handful of minutes. There shouldn’t be a necessity for experimentation.
On the similar time, probably not having Harper and particularly Fox out there does decrease the ceiling of the workforce within the brief time period and will delay the event of chemistry between two of the latest Spurs and their teammates. Harper is a rookie who may not get main minutes instantly, however Fox is predicted to be the engine of the offense. He might solely play a handful of video games subsequent to Victor Wembanyama final season earlier than the large man was shut down on account of deep vein thrombosis. Preseason was anticipated to be the time after they would work on their two-man sport, and now they gained’t be capable of. Even when Fox is again earlier than the reported goal day of November 1, the workforce can be delayed.
Whereas protecting the workforce afloat and clicking if Fox misses time can be a collective effort, the stress and the chance to show he could be a lead guard will fall on Fort. The reigning Rookie of the Yr talked about that his focus this offseason was on-ball shot creation. The Spurs will want it. Final season, the Silver and Black’s offensive score plummeted when Chris Paul wasn’t on the court docket, and the help and turnover numbers acquired worse. Fort is just not a season ground common like Paul, however he can be counted on not simply to get his shot off however to seek out others whereas remaining in management. It is going to be a problem, but when the reps speed up Fort’s improvement as a playmaker, Fox’s absence might have a silver lining.
The information about Fox’s harm is undeniably dangerous, however removed from catastrophic. If he solely misses a handful of video games, the Spurs ought to be nice. Because it occurred with Devin Vassell lacking preseason and the beginning of the 2024/25 12 months, absences can delay the event of cohesion, however this model of the workforce is extra gifted than final 12 months’s and may be capable of survive a five-game stretch with out its star level guard.
Spurs followers have waited a very long time to see how good the Fox-Wembanyama duo could possibly be as soon as the 2 develop some chemistry. It appears extra persistence can be required, but when the outcomes are nearly as good as most individuals count on, it should all be value it.
