In March 2017, I sat down with Kentucky legend and NBA champion Derek Anderson on Scoop B Radio. At the time, Big Blue Nation was electrified by a freshman class led by De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk. With the NCAA Tournament in full swing and the draft looming, Anderson provided a “buttoned-up” veteran’s perspective on why Fox was the standout prospect for the modern era.
Reflecting on this in December 2025—with Fox now a cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs—Anderson’s talent evaluation looks like a prophecy fulfilled. He didn’t just see a fast guard; he saw the “key” to a championship-caliber engine.
2017: “Fox Is The Key One”
During our 2017 session, Anderson broke down the hierarchy of that Wildcats squad. While Monk captured headlines with scoring bursts, Anderson identified the point guard as the most vital piece for professional success.
“I think right now Fox is the key one,” Anderson told me. “It’s a point guard-driven league. If he continues to work on his jump shot and goes full speed like he is doing, I think he will be a significant player.”
Anderson, known for his own explosive athleticism, was impressed by Fox’s ability to maintain control at high speeds—a trait that has defined Fox’s career from his “Swipa” days in Sacramento to his current role as the floor general in San Antonio.
2025: The Perfect Pair in San Antonio
Fast forward to today, December 29, 2025. De’Aaron Fox is no longer a prospect; he is the veteran All-Star leading a Spurs resurgence. Since joining the Spurs in a midseason trade in February 2025, he has seamlessly integrated into Gregg Popovich’s system, forming the league’s most terrifying “speed and size” duo with Victor Wembanyama.
| Season | Team | Role | Impact |
| 2016-17 | Kentucky | Freshman Star | Led UK to Elite Eight; Outdueled Lonzo Ball. |
| 2017-25 | Kings | Franchise Face | Won Clutch Player of the Year; Broke the Playoff Drought. |
| 2025+ | Spurs | All-Star Lead | Signed 4-year, $228M extension; Leading Spurs to a 23–8 start. |
The “Clutch” Legacy and Leadership
Derek Anderson noted in 2017 that Fox’s speed was his weapon, but his “voice” would be his legacy. In late 2025, Fox has fully embraced that leadership role.
“I’m a totally different guy than I was,” Fox said this week, reflecting on his growth. “Once you understand the game, your voice comes after that.”
That voice is currently guiding a young Spurs core that includes rookie Dylan Harper and sophomore Stephon Castle. Fox’s willingness to sacrifice personal stats for team success—averaging 21.9 points and 6.1 assists while shooting a career-high 39.4% from three—has transformed the Spurs into serious contenders in the West.
Current Status: Heading into 2026
As of this morning, Fox is listed as questionable for Monday’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to left adductor tightness and a recent illness. After missing Saturday’s loss to the Jazz, his return is the primary focus for a Spurs team looking to maintain their #1 seed trajectory.
Derek Anderson’s 2017 scouting report was clear: Fox was the key. Eight years later, that key has unlocked the next great era of San Antonio basketball.
