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Sacramento Kings: De’Aaron Fox Shines in Summer League Debut

By Kyle Robert

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: De’Aaron Fox walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted fifth overall by the Sacramento Kings during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: De’Aaron Fox walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted fifth overall by the Sacramento Kings during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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The Sacramento Kings fell short, losing 89-85 in their first summer league game on Friday against the Phoenix Suns. But there was a lot to be excited about despite the loss.

De’Aaron Fox looked great in his first NBA summer league game. He had 18 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 5 steals. He seemed very comfortable in transition and found his teammates well. Fox was also able to operate in the half court as well as running the pick and roll with Skal Labissiere and others.

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On defense, Fox moved well as he made plays in the passing lane. He had a beautiful block of Josh Jackson putting that length on display.

ESPN had Fox mic’d up for the game as well. He showed good communication and leadership on the floor. Fox was talking on both ends which is something that is very important for a team’s point guard and leader.

The Kings’ Justin Jackson looked great, going head to head with fourth overall selection Josh Jackson. He seemed comfortable handling the ball and getting in the lane both finishing and finding teammates. The floater he has is one of his best weapons and it was on full display. He also showed an ability to step out and hit the NBA three.

By far one of the most confusing trends from Friday night’s game was how much the Kings ran the offense through Georgios Papagiannis. By the time he got the ball, the shot clock was under ten seconds which forced the team into some less than ideal shots. It’s summer league, so all kinds of things will be tested. Seemed like a weird place to start.

Papa G looked awkward and uncomfortable with the ball. Summer League is not a great place for big men to flourish but it would have been nice to see him move more fluidly with the ball in his hands.

Jack Cooley was all over the glass, doing his best Jon Brockman impression. He was active in this game as he recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Buddy Hield, Malachi Richardson, and Skal Labissiere showed up and played well also. Hield had 16 points and 5 rebounds. Richardson put the off-season work on display, looking comfortable defending bigger players. Labissiere wasn’t a huge part of the offense but was active on both ends of the floor as he blocked two shots.

The Sacramento Kings do not play again until Sunday. They will face the Memphis Grizzlies at 7:00 P.M. (PST) on NBA TV or ESPN stream.

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