50 Facts About De’Aaron Fox

Early Life and High School Journey

De'Aaron Fox, known for his blazing speed on the basketball court, has a story that begins in New Orleans, Louisiana. His journey from a young boy with a passion for basketball to an NBA star is filled with dedication and hard work.

1. Family Background: Born on December 20, 1997, to Aaron and Lorraine Harris-Fox, De'Aaron has a brother named Quentin. His mom played basketball at Arkansas-Little Rock, sparking his interest in the sport.

2. High School Career: Fox attended Cypress Lakes High School in Katy, Texas, where he averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game during his junior year.

3. High School Achievements: As a senior, he averaged 32.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, leading his team to three district championships and earning a spot as a McDonald's All-American in 2016.

College Success at Kentucky

Fox's college career at the University of Kentucky was marked by impressive performances and accolades, setting the stage for his professional journey.

4. College Career: At Kentucky, Fox was known for his quickness and athleticism, including a standout 39-point game against UCLA in the NCAA Tournament.

5. College Honors: He was named a third-team All-American by CBS Sports, USA Today, and ESPN, and earned Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention honors.

6. College Awards: Fox was the SEC Tournament MVP, averaging 22.0 points per game, and was a finalist for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year award.

7. College Statistics: He led the SEC in assists per game with 4.6 and scored in double figures in 32 of 36 games.

NBA Career and Achievements

Fox's transition to the NBA was marked by growth and success, becoming a key player for the Sacramento Kings.

8. Professional Career: Drafted fifth overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2017, Fox quickly became known for his speed and ability to drive to the rim.

9. Professional Debut: In his rookie season, he averaged 10.8 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, showing promise despite some struggles.

10. Improvement Over Time: By the 2018-2019 season, he improved significantly, increasing his points per game to 17.3 and assists to 7.3, finishing second for the NBA Most Improved Player Award.

11. Contract Extension: On November 25, 2020, Fox signed a contract extension with the Kings, securing his future with the team.

12. Breakout Season (2023): In 2023, Fox led the Kings to their first postseason since 2006, earning his first All-Star selection and winning the Clutch Player of the Year Award.

Notable Performances and Skills

Fox's skills on the court have made him a standout player, known for his speed, quickness, and ability to perform under pressure.

13. Clutch Player of the Year Award: On April 19, 2023, Fox won the inaugural NBA Clutch Player of the Year Award, recognized for his ability to make crucial plays.

14. Playoff Performance: In Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors, Fox scored 38 points, the second-most in a playoff debut after Luka Dončić.

15. Season Highlights (2023-2024): On November 17, 2023, he scored a season-high 43 points against the San Antonio Spurs, and on March 6, 2024, he tied his career high with 44 points against the Los Angeles Lakers.

16. Physical Attributes: Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 185 pounds, Fox is left-handed and primarily plays point guard.

17. Speed and Quickness: Known for his exceptional speed, Fox is considered one of the fastest players in the league from baseline to baseline.

18. Finishing Ability: Fox excels at finishing at the rim, using his body control and leaping ability to score and draw fouls.

19. Three-Point Shooting: Although he struggled with three-point shooting early in his career, he has shown improvement, particularly in the 2023-2024 season.

20. Passing Ability: Fox averages around seven assists per game, generating most of them from pick and roll plays and fast breaks.

Challenges and Improvements

Despite facing challenges, Fox has continued to improve and adapt, showcasing his resilience and determination.

21. Defense: Fox has improved significantly on defense, leading the league in steals during the 2023-2024 season.

22. Shoulder Injury: He played through a shoulder injury in the 2023-2024 season, affecting his performance and leading to a mid-season slump.

23. Three-Point Shooting Improvement: Despite the injury, he improved his three-point shooting, increasing his attempts and percentage.

24. Game Segments Analysis: His season can be divided into three segments, showing variations in performance due to the injury.

Personal Life and Interests

Off the court, Fox has a range of interests and hobbies that reflect his personality and passions.

25. Personal Life: Besides basketball, Fox enjoys gaming and is a fan of the anime series Dragon Ball Z, with Vegeta as his favorite character.

26. Endorsement Deals: He signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Nike before the 2017 NBA draft, boosting his visibility.

27. High School Nicknames: Known as “Fox,” “Swipa,” and “Swipa da Fox,” his nicknames reflect his ability to record steals.

28. Jersey Number Choice: Fox chose the number zero at Kentucky because he “fears no one,” originally wearing number five.

29. Morning Routine: His high school coach noted his dedication, practicing in the gym every morning at 6 AM.

30. Video Game Enthusiast: Fox enjoys playing the NBA 2K series, which his father believes helped improve his skills.

High School and AAU Achievements

Fox's high school and AAU experiences laid the foundation for his future success, showcasing his talent early on.

31. High School Achievements Continued: He led Cypress Lakes to three state playoff appearances, twice scoring 50 points in a game.

32. AAU Circuit Experience: Competing with the Houston Hoops on the Nike EYBL Circuit, he earned first-team honors.

33. USA Basketball Experience: Fox made the 2015-16 USA Men's Basketball Men's Junior Team and participated in national camps.

34. High School Rankings: Ranked as high as No. 2 overall by 247Sports, he was considered the No. 1 point guard in his class.

35. High School Games Highlights: Notable performances include scoring 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists against MacArthur.

All-American and Classic Games

Fox's talent was recognized nationally, earning him spots in prestigious high school All-American games.

36. McDonald's All-American Game: Named a McDonald's All-American in January 2016, he earned Co-MVP honors alongside Malik Monk.

37. Jordan Brand Classic: In April 2016, he led the East team to victory, again earning Co-MVP honors with Monk.

38. Nike Hoop Summit Games: Fox competed at the Nike Hoop Summit Games, contributing significantly to his team's success.

NBA Milestones and Leadership

Fox's NBA career has been marked by significant milestones and leadership roles, cementing his place as a key player.

39. Triple-Double Performance: On November 1, 2018, Fox recorded his first career triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists.

40. Career Triple-Double: This performance made him the only player after LeBron James to score a 30-point triple-double before age 21.

41. Career Milestones: Fox has achieved several milestones, becoming one of the youngest players to reach certain statistical benchmarks.

42. Leadership Role: As a star of the Kings, Fox plays a crucial leadership role, guiding the team towards success.

43. Fan Base and Media Perception: Fox receives both praise and criticism, with fans and media recognizing his value to the Kings.

Impact and Future Prospects

Fox's impact on the court and his potential for future success make him a player to watch in the coming years.

44. Impact on Opponents: His ability to shoot well from three at high volume changes how opponents plan against the Kings.

45. Career Highs and Lows: Despite impressive stats, his season felt disappointing due to a mid-season injury slump.

46. Injury Impact: The shoulder injury affected his performance and the Kings’ success during that period.

47. Defensive Improvement: Despite the injury, Fox led the league in steals, often flustering opponents with his quickness.

48. Offensive Strategy: While improving his three-point shooting, he sometimes relied too much on it, hesitating to attack the rim.

49. Future Prospects: At 26, Fox is entering his prime, with the potential to become one of the top players in the league.

50. Legacy and Impact: Fox's speed, quickness, and athleticism make him a unique player, inspiring future generations of basketball players.

Fox's Impact and Future

De'Aaron Fox has already left a mark on the basketball world with his speed, quickness, and athleticism. From his early days at Cypress Lakes High School to his standout performances with the Sacramento Kings, Fox's journey is a testament to hard work and dedication. His ability to perform under pressure, highlighted by his Clutch Player of the Year Award, showcases his value on the court. Despite challenges like a shoulder injury, Fox's resilience and improvement, especially in three-point shooting and defense, have been impressive. As he enters his prime, the future looks bright for this talented player. With continued growth and health, Fox is poised to become one of the league's top players, inspiring future generations. His legacy will continue to evolve, making him a player to watch in the coming years. Fox's journey is far from over, and fans eagerly anticipate what's next.