This year the Sacramento Kings are having an amazing season, currently sitting in third place in the Western Conference standings. They have seen the strong play from players like Damontas Sabonis, Harrison Barnes, and of course De’Aaron Fox. Sobonis’ play helped him to become the first Kings player to be named to the All-Star game since DeMarcus Cousins in 2016. However, while their big man got the invite to the All-Star events in Salt Lake City, one King was noticeably missing from the West roster, De’Aaron Fox.
Fox has been a major part of the Kings’ success this season, averaging 24.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.3 rebounds per game. Statistics that are among the best point guards in the league, and because of that, Fox found his name muttered among that of other “All-Star snubs” lists.
This all changed as the NBA announced on February 10 that Fox will be among the All-Star replacements, and his play will be rewarded as a 2022-23 All-Star.
“Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox and Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam have been named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as injury replacements for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.” the NBA communications account tweeted.
While All-Star recognition is nice, Fox is also getting recognition from his peers, with Kyrie Irving recently praising the Kings’ starting point guard for his progression and high level of play this offseason.
“You see De’Aaron Fox getting incredibly better,” Irving said. “He just plays with a poise and a pace that I think we haven’t seen from him in the last few years, and I think that has a lot to do with Mike but also De’Aaron’s hard work … It’s great to see.”
Irving gave a portion credit to his former coach, Mike Brown, and his leadership has been a major factor in the Kings’ success this season.
