Spurs’ obvious De’Aaron Fox replacement is gaining traction by the game
In the aftermath of a disappointing Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs star De’Aaron Fox’s efficiency has been beneath the microscope. I scored simply 10 factors and did not get going till the fourth quarter.
By then, the Spurs offense was struggling and will have used Fox to get them baskets all through the game. Instead, he largely disappeared. To be truthful to Fox, Victor Wembanyama wasn’t significantly better offensively, though Fox has had loads of comparable video games to his Game 1 efficiency.
Meanwhile, rookie Dylan Harper completely outplayed Fox from the bench, scoring 18 factors, on 7-13 capturing in 23 minutes.
If Fox continues to play like he did, then the Spurs might must rely extra on a rookie than their star, who will start a max contract subsequent season.
Dylan Harper is the inheritor obvious to De’Aaron Fox
Harper has arguably outplayed Fox up to now in the playoffs. That proves two issues: his ceiling is extremely excessive, and the Spurs have a looming drawback with Fox.
Don’t get me fallacious, Fox will in all probability nonetheless have a few large video games throughout the Spurs’ second-round collection. However, for no matter cause, he hasn’t been in a position to constantly raise the Silver and Black.
Worse but, if that continues to be the case, it creates a clumsy scenario. One the place the Spurs could also be beginning a participant who is not pretty much as good as the one they’ve coming off the bench.
You used to know the Spurs meant enterprise in a playoff collection once they determined to start out Manu.
I’m beginning to really feel like that is gonna be the case with Dylan Harper this postseason. He’s so clearly one in all their greatest 5. I’m wondering if anybody stresses them sufficient to do it.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) May 5, 2026
If Fox is not extra constant, the Spurs might commerce him before later
I’m not suggesting that the Spurs commerce Fox this summer season, however for them to beat the Timberwolves, they might must depend on him much less. Fewer minutes for Fox, extra minutes for Harper, and San Antonio ought to be capable to claw their method again into the collection.
If not, they should stay and die by Fox, and it is anybody’s guess how he’ll play from game to game. Obviously, it is in everybody’s greatest curiosity to have him play effectively.
There have been some constructive takeaways from Game 1, particularly him attacking the paint when Rudy Gobert received benched.
Still, Harper was the greatest participant towards the Wolves and is quickly turning into the greatest participant general. Given Fox’s large contract, he’ll nearly inevitably have to be movedand if and when that occurs, Harper is his clear replacement.
