De’Aaron Fox is finally ready to suit up for San Antonio. After missing the start of the season with a hamstring injury, the Spurs guard is expected to make his debut Saturday night at home against the New Orleans Pelicans.
“Sources tell me that Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox will make his season debut on Saturday night, at home, against the New Orleans Pelicans,” Shams Charania said on NBA Today. “He’s gone through his final workouts and preparation after rehabbing an off-season hamstring injury. But today’s his ramp-up day for Saturday’s debut.”
Fox played in 17 games for the Spurs last season after arriving in a midseason trade, but he only shared the floor with Victor Wembanyama in five of them. Now, with a clean bill of health and a full runway ahead, San Antonio is finally getting a real look at its backcourt of the future.
“Fox is the first of some returns here for the Spurs,” Shams added. “Dylan Harler as well as Luke Kornet are working their way back as well. So, reinforcement and depth here will be on full display for the Spurs pretty soon. Even more critically, a potentially long runway now with Victor Wembanyama and Fox.”
The Spurs got off to a quick start this season, winning their first five games to secure a high spot in the standings. While the season is still young, it’s already remarkable progress for a team that went 22-60 just two seasons ago.
Unfortunately, the Spurs’ streak ended this week with back-to-back losses to the Suns and Lakers. Victor was harassed defensively, leading to his worst games of the season so far.
Tonight, against the Rockets, San Antonio will face another tough challenge. But if they can hang on and secure the win, it will put them in a good spot for Fox’s return on Saturday.
The 27-year-old guard has had limited playing time with the Spurs, but the brief flashes he’s shown have been highly encouraging. Last season, in 17 games after the trade, he averaged 19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game on 44.6 percent shooting.
This time, with a healthy team, Fox could be in store for a career year, and his impact could elevate the Spurs to a higher status in the West.
For the Spurs, just like every other team, availability is everything. They are finally getting healthy for the first time this season. As Victor Wembanyama continues his ascension, he’ll now have the proper support to make San Antonio a truly competitive team. While they still have a lot to prove, the belief inside the locker room is that the best is yet to come.
Saturday’s game will be the first glimpse of this team at full power this season, and fans are right to expect a show. The real question is, what can we expect from them in April, May, and June?
That’s where Fox comes in. With his speed, shot creation, and veteran experience, he gives the Spurs exactly what they need to take that next step. The potential is there, and now the pieces are finally in place. If Fox and Wembanyama can stay healthy and build chemistry, San Antonio might just be a serious threat when it matters most.
