De’Aaron Fox
Fox is the fifth freshman point guard on our list. As previously mentioned, he was the star of the hyped-up match-up between UCLA and Kentucky, even though his team lost. After Ball, he’s considered the second best “true” point guard available in the draft.
On the year, Fox is averaging 15 points on 44 percent shooting, while securing five rebounds and handing out seven assists per game. He’s got elite quickness and acceleration, which are two vitally important attributes for a potential NBA point guard. He’s also a very willing passer, which works perfectly for his team, considering the talent he’s playing with at Kentucky.
In just his seventh career game, Fox recorded a triple-double against Arizona State, dropping a 14 point, 11 rebound, 10 assist stat-line. Recording a triple-double is harder to do in college than in the NBA due to the caliber of players you’re playing with, and the limited number of possessions. That’s to say, it was an impressive feat by the Kentucky point guard.
There are a couple of aspects of Fox’s game that are worrisome though. Through ten games, he’s been a terrible three-point shooter. He’s making them at a 14 percent rate, despite hoisting two per game. That has earned him the Rajon Rondo comparison. Two Kentucky guys who are quick, like to pass, but can’t shoot? It fits.
Further, he’s got a very thin frame, despite his solid 6-foot-3 height and 6-foot-6 wingspan. He does not do a good job of taking contact, and struggles to finish around the rim through defenders. With certain guys, you can project that they’ll just get stronger in the NBA. But Fox’s frame is so slight that he may struggle to put on weight.
Nonetheless, he’s quick, can at least get to the rim in the half-court, and has great vision. If he can become at-worst an adequate shooter, he has a chance to become a great NBA point guard.
Also, Miami wouldn’t have to trade Goran Dragic if they bring in the Kentucky freshman. While it wouldn’t make sense to keep Dragic if the Heat could land a ball-dominant player like Ball, Fultz, or Smith, Fox’s lack of bulk might make it best for him to come off the bench in his first couple of seasons.
Plus, he’s a lefty, and who’s a better lefty point guard to learn under than Dragic? No one, that’s who.
Next: James Johnson hopes to stay with the Heat
Well, that’s all for today, Heat fans. Join us next time for a closer look at the power forward position, and who Miami’s staff could target in the first round (here’s a hint).