The Dallas Mavericks are nowhere close to the NBA Playoffs, much less the NBA Finals, but their in-state rival, the San Antonio Spurs, are playing a red-hot New York Knicks team, and buzz around the NBA is continuing after a historic Game 4 comeback from the Knicks.
While Jalen Brunson is making the Mavericks regret ever fumbling him, De'Aaron Fox is getting a lot of the heat after Game 4. With the Spurs up by one and a loose ball that flew to the Knicks' end of the court, Fox picked up the ball and went up for a layup, but was blocked by the eventual hero, OG Anunoby.
Many were quick to point out that Fox could've held the ball to draw an intentional foul and go to the line instead of putting the ball up. After the game, fans pointed out Fox's contract, and Mavs fans can only laugh at this dilemma, as it's forcing Spurs fans to turn their back on the veteran Fox.
The Spurs signed De'Aaron Fox to a four-year, $229 million contract
The Spurs are getting a taste of exactly what the Sacramento Kings went through. Granted, they didn't see the playoffs that often with Fox as their leader, but as the clear veteran leader, Spurs fans are scratching their heads at his contract because his past playoff struggles are coming back to haunt him.
For the Mavs' fanbase, it's fun to watch San Antonio disorganized after giving Fox a lucrative deal, and it flops in real time. With Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper stepping up to the plate and playing at 110 percent every playoff game, they are quickly taking the thunder away from Fox as it is.
Fox's usage rate is also far below what it was with the Kings, averaging 27.4 points per game in the 2023 playoffs, but now averages just 16 points in these playoffs. Most of that has to do with the fact that Victor Wembanyama is holding the keys to the ignition, but Fox is playing as the primary ball-handler on a pick-and-roll pass-first player. Fox still gets his fair amount of touches, but isn't able to get to work the paint.
Apparently, his limited role is still enough for him to get a maximum contract, and NBA fans are taking note of it. It also didn't help that he had a major gaffe late in Game 4, but if we're honest, the Spurs as a whole gave up a 29-point lead and a 27-point halftime lead. Fox shouldn't deserve all the blame. Just for curiosity, Fox will be making $51,033,600 next season.
Again, the Mavs are far away from the NBA Finals, but Fox's contract could be something that explodes in due time. Harper and Castle are playing far better night in and night out, and that may come back to haunt the Mavs' rivals at some point or another.
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