De'Aaron Fox spent the first seven and a half years of his NBA career with the Sacramento Kings. 13 months after being traded to the San Antonio Spurs, there's no doubt where the two-time All-Star's attention lies, including when he returns to his former home.
"No, it's just another game to me," Fox said. "We're worried about us. We're worried about trying to win a championship."
Fox's tenure in Sacramento included two of the franchise's best seasons in the last 20 years. The 2022–2023 team won the division championship with 48 wins. The following year, the Kings won 46. It was the organization's most successful season since a 50-win campaign in 2004–05.
Fox reiterated, "Obviously, it's nice to be back here because I get a chance to meet people I've seen for years. But, other than that, when we get between those lines, it's a normal game."
De'Aaron Fox comments on current Kings
Things are a lot different in Sacramento than they were in February of 2024, when a trade sent Fox to San Antonio. Kings star Domantas Sabonis is out the remainder of the season after undergoing meniscus surgery. Russell Westbrook, who started 51-18 in his most recent contest, a 132-104 loss to the Spurs, is now a key rotational player.
"I mean, obviously, the personnel and everything has changed, but I don't see them any more than any other team," Fox said.
At 18–52, the Kings have the worst record in the West after the loss to the Spurs. It's a spot these Spurs are somewhat familiar with. Two years ago, they finished 22-60 with rookie Victor Vembanyama. Although Fox was still in Sacramento at the time, it's a reality he sees through the eyes of his current and former teammates.
"In the rebuilding phase, I think the young guys (Kings) are playing well," Fox said. “You want to be able to see it because, looking at where we were last year, the young guys are playing well.”
De'Aaron Fox reflects on the rise of the Spurs
The former Kentucky star played just over a month with the Spurs last season and played just five games with Wembley during that span. Two weeks after the Foxes arrived in San Antonio, Wembanyama was shut down for the remainder of the regular season due to a blood clot in his right shoulder. Less than a month later, the team decided to sideline Fox for the remainder of the year, dealing with a finger injury since training camp.
Through it all, the Spurs improved by 12 wins from the previous season.
“You get that experience, you get those reps, and then you come in the next season, try to hit the ground running,” the 28-year-old guard said.
With 19 points per game this season, Fox is second to Wembley among team scoring leaders and earned his second trip to the All-Star Game. Like the Kings, he is proving to be a major factor in the Spurs' return to winning ways.
