Team USA encountered a lot of troubles in the past few weeks as they are preparing for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in China. Numerous NBA stars declined invitations to join the roster while some withdrew from the squad, leaving head coach Gregg Popovich with some dilemmas.
Even though it seems that the Americans are the thinnest at the point guard position, Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox emerged as one of the players who could get an unexpected place on Popovich’s squad. Fox has been impressive at training camp in California, and teammates have noticed.
Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart think De'Aaron Fox is already the fastest player in the NBA. And Fox says he's actually gotten faster since last season. If Fox can start knocking down outside shots consistently, Kemba says, 'It will be over. No question.' https://t.co/auCgLfGUSC
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) August 15, 2019
“He makes fast people look not fast,” Marcus Smart said.
Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry has withdrawn from Team USA due to a thumb injury which didn’t heal in time, and this is an excellent opportunity for Fox to step in and impress. He earned a promotion to the senior squad from the select team, and with how the things stand at the moment, Fox could secure his spot on the roster and travel to China.
Kemba Walker, who will likely be the starting point guard at the World Cup, said that he’s never seen a player that fast with basketball in his hands.
“Oh, my goodness,” Walker said. “He is super fast. His quickness is crazy. His end-to-end speed is ridiculous. … That’s scary if he’s gotten faster. The thing about him is he’s fast but really under control.”
During USA Basketball’s 97-78 exhibition victory over the select team last week, Fox had 12 points and added three boards, three dimes, three steals and a couple of rejections in 15 minutes on the floor. Fox improved his shooting last year, and Walker believes he can become even better if he becomes more consistent from beyond the arc.
“What impressed me the most is probably his shooting,” Walker said. “He has really been knocking it down. That is what is going to take him to that next level. Like for myself entering the league, the next step for me was my jump shot. That is what helped me get to the next level. Whenever he consistently gets that, it will be over. It will be over. No question.”
De’Aaron Fox on his role with Team USA. pic.twitter.com/ko6WZJwVZM
— James Ham (@James_HamNBCS) August 14, 2019
