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Fox’s Free Throws Are Keeping Kings Afloat

By Anthony Cardenas

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 3: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings shoots a free-throw during a game against the New York Knicks on November 3, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 3: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings shoots a free-throw during a game against the New York Knicks on November 3, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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In addition to his blinding speed and overall improvement, Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox has found a new way to be effective

The Sacramento Kings have shown improvement across the board after their rough start to the season. The shooting numbers are starting to rise, and the team is playing with noticeably more passion and intensity.

As expected, the catalyst behind the improvement is De’Aaron Fox, who has elevated his play since having two single-digit scoring nights in the first three games. He is averaging 21.2 points in his last four games, including 24 and 25 point performances in the Kings’ two victories.

While it is a small sample size, Fox’s shooting percentages have regressed from last season, as have his assist numbers, and he is turning the ball over more frequently. So how has he managed to be the undisputed leader of the Kings’ current mini-run?

Free throws.

Fox is driving the lane and attacking the basket with regularity, and it has resulted in a large uptick in free throw production. He is averaging 7.3 free throw attempts per game, up from 5.1 last season. His 24 fouls drawn through seven games is a pace that will net him more than 280, which would shatter last year’s mark of 193.

Fox is ranked fourth in free throw attempts this season, behind only James Harden, Anthony Davis, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Last season, 21.6% of Fox’s points were scored via free throw. That number so far this year is at a whopping 28.4%, which can likely be correlated to his below-average shooting from the field. Nonetheless, Fox’s new trick is keeping Sacramento afloat for the time being.

If he can improve his shooting from the field and limit his turnovers, his free throw frequency would put him at the top of “best young point guard” discussions.

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Last season, 6 of the top 10 in free throws attempted were selected to the All-Star Game. While Fox has a nearly-impossible uphill climb in de-throning any of the guards out West for an All-Star bid, the improved free-throw numbers would certainly add to his resume.

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