The start of the NBA Finals is here, and the San Antonio Spurs and De'Aaron Fox have the perfect opportunity to shut down critics. Many were skeptical of Fox's fit on the Spurs, with them also having Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.
There are also concerns about his contract. Fox's max contract, which is set to begin next season, has overshadowed his postseason play.
To be clear, he hasn't played like a max player, but he has had several strong moments that have helped San Antonio make the NBA Finals.
He scored 28 points on the road in Game 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round. Fox later had a big second half in Game 4 of that series, helping the Spurs overcome a 20-point deficit to win by 20.
if that weren't impressive enough, Fox also played through a painful high ankle sprain and had a solid Game 7 in the Western Conference Finals.
De'Aaron Fox dangerously close to proving the Spurs right
If San Antonio is able to beat the Knicks in the NBA Finals, then their gamble of trading for and re-signing Fox suddenly looks like a genius move. That doesn't mean that his contract isn't an overpay.
However, Fox may end up playing a key role in San Antonio winning a sixth championship and the first of the Victor Wembanyama era.
That is obviously the goal, but he hasn't always played like a co-star. It may not end up mattering. San Antonio's depth and Fox's willingness to adapt his game have helped to make him a seamless fit.
If De'Aaron Fox helps the Spurs win a title, he'll be worth the max contract
He may not be putting up superstar numbers, but he's definitely making a positive impact, and that counts for something.
That doesn't mean the Spurs won't eventually have to trade him due to cap constraints. What it does mean is that Silver and Black will have been proven right in bringing Fox in.
If the Spurs win a championship with him, then whatever happens next is all gravy. Even if things get ugly with the contract and they are forced to trade him, banners hang forever, and his legacy in San Antonio will have been secured.
On the flip side, if they and he fall short in the NBA Finals, there may be increased scrutiny surrounding the team's decision to give him the max and whether they should trade him. That is what is at stake for both the Spurs and Fox.
