Fox Ready to Return After Hamstring Setback
San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox is reportedly set to make his season debut on Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans after missing the first seven games of the 2025-26 NBA season due to a hamstring injury sustained in the offseason.
Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed that Fox has been ramping up in practice and will get limited minutes in his return to ensure a safe comeback. Johnson also noted that Fox would not play in the Spurs’ NBA Cup group stage game against the Houston Rockets on Friday to avoid starting the season back-to-back.
Massive Contract Extension for Fox
Saturday’s game will mark Fox’s first appearance since signing a four-year, $229 million contract extension with the Spurs in August. Fox joined San Antonio six months ago via a three-team trade and immediately made an impact, averaging 23.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game last season.
Fox’s extension is both a reward for his outstanding performance and a commitment to building the Spurs’ future around him and star center Victor Wembanyama, who returned this season fully healthy. Wembanyama is currently averaging 25.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, and leading the NBA in blocks, continuing to solidify his status as one of the league’s premier big men.
Spurs Struggling for Consistency
San Antonio enters Saturday’s matchup with a 5-2 record, following back-to-back losses to the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. The defeat against the Lakers was particularly tight, ending in a two-point loss where multiple Spurs had opportunities to take control.
Fox’s return provides the Spurs with a dynamic scoring option to complement Wembanyama, adding balance to the roster and helping the team maintain momentum in the early stages of the season.
Fox’s Impact on the Spurs
With Fox back in the lineup, San Antonio expects a boost in offensive firepower and playmaking. Last season, Fox’s ability to lead the team in scoring, especially during Wembanyama’s absence due to deep vein thrombosis, demonstrated his value as a primary scorer and floor general.
“Fox coming back is huge for us. He’s a proven scorer and playmaker, and having him alongside Wembanyama makes us a much tougher team to guard,” said a Spurs insider.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Fox integrates back into the rotation and whether he can elevate the Spurs’ performance as they navigate a challenging early-season schedule.
Looking Ahead
San Antonio faces New Orleans in a crucial early-season matchup, and Fox’s debut could set the tone for the Spurs’ campaign. With key players like Wembanyama already in top form, adding Fox to the mix could make the Spurs one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.
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