The San Antonio Spurs opened the season with five straight wins and appeared poised to be one of the league’s breakout stories. But a recent run of injuries to several young stars has forced the team to adjust quickly. After dropping two of their last three games to the Golden State Warriors, the Spurs sit at 9-4 and are working to stay positioned near the top of the Western Conference standings despite a depleted roster.
With Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama all sidelined, De’Aaron Fox has taken on the bulk of the offensive responsibility. Still, Fox has continued to emphasize that when the Spurs are healthy, the team revolves around Wembanyama — and that he embraces the idea of playing a supporting role to the 7-foot-4 center.
In an interview with The Athletic, Fox addressed the perception that he is Wembanyama’s “sidekick,” and spoke highly of the 21-year-old’s potential. “We see the talent that he has, and we know that he could be one of the greatest players,” Fox said. “But as he’s trying to get there, you don’t go through that on your own. I think all great players have played with other great players.”
Earlier this season, Fox echoed a similar sentiment, calling Wembanyama a future all-time talent. “We feel like he’s gonna be one of the best players ever to touch a basketball,” Fox said. “Our job is to help him get there and help him win games.”
The praise carries weight coming from Fox, a former 26-points-per-game scorer who previously starred alongside Domantas Sabonis, one of the premier big men of the modern era. His willingness to play off a rising superstar has been a key storyline in San Antonio’s strong start.
As the Spurs await the returns of Wembanyama, Harper and Castle, Fox will be tasked with keeping the team competitive. His next challenge comes Tuesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, where he will lead a shorthanded Spurs lineup.
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