The Sacramento Kings are struggling to replicate last season’s success despite keeping the core that had the team running intact. It was understandable that Mike Brown had to take the brunt of the blame despite the chagrin of some within the NBA community.
However, a new face on the sidelines doesn’t immediately turn the team’s fortunes around. They’re still made up of the same players who struggled to compete against players who struggled to compete against teams they managed to take down just a year ago.
De’Aaron Fox is one of the pieces that must step up, regardless of how unfair the request is. Despite the 27-year-old Kentucky product maintaining his production from last season, Sacramento somehow got worse. It’s gotten to the point that rumors are circulating about Fox being traded to find another young gem to build around.
With his future hazy, Fox put up an impressive showing against the Philadelphia 76ers that highlighted his value to Sacramento and any team interested in acquiring his services.
De’Aaron Fox puts up 35 for the Sacramento Kings, completes incredible scoring feat
Fox was instrumental for Sacramento’s 113-107 comeback victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. While a win against a struggling Sixers team isn’t much to write home about, they had Paul George playing at his Playoff P best.
Fox played 38 minutes in the game, putting up 35 points on 13-for-16 shooting. He added value to his overwhelming scoring performance with three boards, four dimes, and a rejection.
His performance was so good StatMuse noted that no other Kings player has done this since 2008:
De’Aaron Fox tonight:
35 PTS
13-16 FGThe first Kings player with 35+ PTS and 80+ FG% in a game since Kevin Martin in 2008. pic.twitter.com/QMs90mIZh5
— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 2, 2025
Older hoops fans would remember Kevin Martin as a standout shooter who played for the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder. Martin started his career in Sacramento, where he immediately impressed with his ability to shoot the ball. However, the team failed to build around his shooting, and he eventually was shipped off to Houston.
While it’s still uncertain if De’Aaron Fox will follow Martin’s career trajectory, he’s certainly playing well for the Kings this season. He’s averaging 26.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.6 steals a game.
If Sacramento does decide to restart their rebuilding project, they can expect to get a king’s ransom for Fox’s services. He’s proven to be a capable guard who can become a reliable second option in any contender.
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