De’Aaron Fox finished the 2026 Finals as the most singled-out player of the series. With his modest 12.8 points, a dismal 34.3% shooting from the field, and his terrible decision at the end of Game 4 as the nail in the coffin, there were many who pointed to the guard as the main culprit for San Antonio’s defeat and as a clear candidate to depart. But, after some time and with tempers cooled, the franchise does not see the need to take that step.
According to ESPN, the Spurs remain trusting in the guard and are determined to keep him on the roster, because, despite the aforementioned issues, they believe they would not have reached those Finals without him. His composure and his ability to conduct the team were key in several games even when his numbers weren’t particularly eye-catching, and while Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle are demanding minutes and prominence, the counterpoint that Fox represents still adds quite a bit to the team.
Nevertheless, the Texas-based franchise is aware that there are decisions to be made at the point guard position. Harper’s breakout in the playoffs makes it mandatory to ask who will start, something that Mitch Johnson seems likely to leave to the on-court performance of each player. And while the coach has expressed his desire to use lineups with three guards featuring Fox, Harper, and Castle, this seems more like a temporary fix than a balanced starting five.
It seems, however, that the doubt will continue to hover until the former Kings guard dispels it. Because if his performance does not shine and the young players keep forcing their way in, debates about the need to move him in order to gain some depth at other positions will re-emerge.
