Last season, the Sacramento Kings missed the playoffs despite their 46-36 record. Nonetheless, the team made numerous moves in the offseason. Most notably, they acquired DeMar DeRozan via a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls. Through 15 games of the 2024-25 NBA season, the Kings are 8-7. It is a bit of a slow start, but there is a lot to like about the team regardless, especially the breakout campaign from guard De’Aaron Fox.
So far, Fox is having a fantastic start to his campaign. He has started all 15 games of the season for the Kings and is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 28.8 points. Since the Kings drafted him in 2017, the Kentucky alum has been fantastic in the league. However, while it is a small sample size, he is in line for a career year.
In a recent interview with HoopsHype’s Cyro Asseo de Choch, Fox spoke about what sets him apart from other guards in the league and why he deserves an All-NBA spot this season. Fox said he believes his well-rounded playstyle and ability to impact the game on both ends separates him from other great guards.
“For me, it’s continuing to affect the game on both ends of the court. You know, even if I’m not scoring, being able to be a guy who can make an All-Defensive Team and things like that. I think what’s big about me is I play both sides of the ball. I can average 25, but I could also lock somebody down if need be. So that’s a big thing for me. And I think it also helps having another guy like DeMar who’s able to pretty much control the offense and guys like Domas and Malik. So I’m able to be able to be effective on both ends of the court. And I think that’s kind of what separates me from a lot of guys,” Fox said.
Sacramento Kings Star Reveals Why He Deserves High NBA Honor
De’Aaron Fox’s NBA Honors So Far
Despite being a very talented player, Fox has only started racking up accolades in the past couple of seasons. In 2023, he earned the first All-Star honors of his career. Additionally, he finished 11th in MVP voting, earned an All-NBA Third Team nod, and won the Clutch Player of the Year award. Last season, despite having another fantastic campaign, he did not make the All-Star team, leading many to believe he was snubbed. Nonetheless, he averaged a career-high 26 points per game and was the steals leader, averaging 2 per game.
Early on, Fox is in a great position to add some more accomplishments to his resume. However, his goal is likely to return to the playoffs. The Kings have not won a playoff series since the 2003-04 season. With Fox, DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis leading the way, the Kings have an opportunity to end that drought this season.
Currently, they are the fifth-best scoring team in the league. Additionally, they rank in the top 15 on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The Kings are barely over. 500, but it is clear there is a lot of talent there. As the season progresses, they should be able to find their rhythm and earn a playoff spot.
