Spurs' De'Aaron Fox Expecting to Miss Start of NBA Season with Hamstring Injury

The San Antonio Spurs are using plenty of caution when it comes to guard De'Aaron Fox's right hamstring injury, and that means he could be sidelined for the Oct. 22 season opener against the Dallas Mavericks.

"I feel good. I felt like I could have played a little bit ago, but they're not letting me," Fox told reporters Monday. "We're taking it day-by-day, but I feel great."

He also said he doesn't think he'll be on the floor for preseason and is targeting Nov. 1 as a potential return date.

Michael C. Wright reported Fox suffered the injury during an offseason workout. It was another setback for the guard, who saw his 2024-25 campaign come to an early end when he suffered a left pinky finger injury in March.

He underwent season-ending surgery for that injury, which meant he played just 17 games for the Spurs after they acquired him via trade.

There is reason for optimism in San Antonio heading into a new season in large part because of all the young talent the team has accumulated. Victor Wembanyama is the deserved headliner as one of the best players in the league with seemingly limitless potential, but there are other exciting players in the supporting cast.

Stephon Castle is the reigning Rookie of the Year, Dylan Harper was the No. 2 pick in this year's draft, and players such as Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson can take over for stretches.

Fox is someone who can both score himself and set those other players up in ideal positions while running the offense. The 2022-23 All-Star averaged 23.5 points, 6.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game last season for the Spurs and Sacramento Kings and figures to be the No. 2 option alongside Wembanyama.

First, though, he has to get healthy for a Spurs team with realistic playoff aspirations.

The Western Conference is daunting, but there is enough talent in place for San Antonio to finish in the top half of the standings if everyone lives up to their potential. And having Fox running the show from the backcourt could help them do just that.