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De’Aaron Fox – 6’3″ Point Guard, University of Kentucky, 19 Years Old
De’Aaron Fox is a point guard coming out of the University of Kentucky. Based on his successful freshman campaign, Fox is likely to be selected in the top ten. The highlight of Fox’s brief tenure at the university of Kentucky was his 40 point explosion in the sweet sixteen versus Lonzo Ball and the UCLA Bruins. Will Fox though, be able to take that success into the NBA, given his current skill set?
Strengths
While he is an all around player, Fox has made a name for himself on the offensive end. Averaging 16.7 points in his freshman year, Fox was key to the Wildcats’ offensive attack. Serving as a go-to option for them with his scoring prowess, above the rim festivities, and isolation play, Fox showcased an ability to carry the scoring load. In addition to his scoring ability, Fox is also an established defender.
While his electric, offensive play is without a doubt a strength in his game, Fox’s defensive ability is just as valuable. Averaging 1.5 steals a game, Fox serves as a gnat on the defensive end. By diving after loose balls, and playing with a grit on the defensive end, Fox has shown he’s willing to get his hands dirty on the defensive end. His ability to be a threat on both ends of the floor, help make him a well rounded, two-way threat.
Weaknesses
While his offensive game is electric and would be an asset for any NBA team, Fox does have some flaws on that end of the ball – one being his three point shooting. While an attacking guard, Fox struggles from the perimeter; last year, he shot just 24.6% from beyond the arc. He also can be pushed around by bigger defenders, from time to time.
Given his slim 175 pound figure, Fox can struggle at times to finish in the paint, as a result of bigger bodies being present inside. He will have to get bigger and stronger in order to finish through contact at the NBA level.
NBA Potential
Given his two-way arsenal, the sky is the limit for Fox. He can score in a number of ways, and compete on the defensive end – a trait which could make for a great NBA point guard. Fox though, has to bulk up and become a more consistent shooter. If he can do so, there’s no reason why he can’t blossom into a top five NBA point guard.
NBA Comparison
Fox’s play draws comparisons to Wizards’ star point guard John Wall. Wall has established himself as a lethal two-way presence in the NBA. Leading the Wizards in scoring, as well as serving as a gnat on the defensive end, Wall has blossomed into one of the best players in the NBA. His biggest weakness though, much like Fox, is inconsistent shooting. Shooting 43.3% from the field and just 32.1% from beyond the arc, Wall has never built a lethal jumper (Fox shot just 24.6% from three in his freshman year).
Given his electric offense play, albeit the inconsistent jumper, Fox’s play resembles that of Wall.
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