The San Antonio Spurs have long excelled at rebuilding around generational talents, and their latest moves suggest they are following a proven formula with Victor Wembanyama. Historically, the franchise has thrived when pairing an elite big man with a high-IQ playmaking guard. The acquisition of De’Aaron Fox signals a renewed commitment to this strategy, mirroring past successes with duos like Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, as well as David Robinson and Avery Johnson. This method ensures that the team has both interior dominance and backcourt leadership, a balance that has consistently led to championships.
San Antonio’s blockbuster trade to acquire Fox from the Sacramento Kings required significant assets, including four first-round picks, a second-round pick, and three players: Zach Collins, Tre Jones, and Sidy Cissoko. In return, the Spurs received Fox and veteran backup point guard Jordan McLaughlin. Fox, a dynamic scorer and defender, eases Wembanyama’s load with pace and playmaking, fitting the Spurs’ proven blueprint.
Wembanyama’s emergence as a dominant two-way force has been remarkable. In his rookie season, he won Rookie of the Year and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, averaging 22.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game over 113 career games. His ability to stretch the floor (35.8% from three this season) makes him an even more unique asset. With Fox beside him, Wembanyama can focus on defense and scoring while their duo sets up the Spurs for long-term success.
The Impact Of The Fox-Wembanyama Pairing At Spurs
Fox has already demonstrated his ability to make an immediate impact in San Antonio. In his Spurs debut against the Atlanta Hawks, he recorded 24 points, five rebounds, 13 assists, and three steals in a 126-125 win. This stat line made him the first player in franchise history to record 20+ points and 10+ assists in their debut.
The San Antonio Spurs' new All-Star point guard-center duo: De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama. pic.twitter.com/sYKxsZcsyD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2025
Looking at the broader impact, Fox is averaging 25.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game this season. His efficiency (47.0% FG, 32.1% 3P, 82.9% FT) makes him a reliable offensive weapon. More importantly, his defensive ability, ranking 16th among active players in steals per game, ensures that the Spurs now have a legitimate two-way backcourt presence to complement Victor Wembanyama’s defensive dominance. The duo’s defensive synergy is a nightmare for opposing teams, combining Wembanyama’s 3.9 blocks per game with Fox’s perimeter disruption.
Despite struggling last season with a 22-60 record, the Spurs have shown significant improvement, currently standing at 22-26 and on pace to surpass last year’s win total before the All-Star break. While this trade doesn’t immediately make them championship contenders, it positions them to secure a playoff spot and build momentum for the future. With Fox under contract through next season, the Spurs have time to convince him to sign a long-term extension, securing a championship-caliber core for the upcoming years.
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