With NBA All-Star Weekend only days away, the all-star rosters have finally been finalized despite all late-announced injuries, with the final spot going to San Antonio Spurs star guard De’Aaron Fox.
Fox has been named an All-Star injury replacement for Giannis Antetokounmpo after the Milwaukee Bucks superstar was ruled out with a right calf strain. The selection marks Fox’s second career All-Star appearance and his first since the 2022-23 season.
While Antetokounmpo’s injury created the opening, Fox’s production made the decision straightforward.
In 45 games this season, the 28-year-old guard is averaging 19.4 points, 6.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds per contest. He’s shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from three-point range, maintaining efficiency while balancing scoring and playmaking responsibilities. His pace, ability to collapse defenses and steady late-game control have anchored San Antonio’s backcourt throughout the campaign.
Fox will suit up for the USA Stripes team, led by Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson. The selection gives San Antonio representation both on the floor and on the sideline during All-Star Weekend. He also becomes the second Spur in this year’s showcase, joining franchise centerpiece Victor Wembanyama, who will compete on the World roster.
That dual presence highlights the Spurs’ growing relevance. With Wembanyama symbolizing the league’s international future and Fox anchoring the American contingent, San Antonio’s footprint will stretch across the entire event.
As for Antetokounmpo, the Bucks officially announced Thursday that he will not participate in Sunday’s game in Inglewood, California, though he will still attend festivities. The team stated he continues to rehab the calf strain suffered on Jan. 23 against the Denver Nuggets. He is expected to remain sidelined at least two to three more weeks, with a return projected closer to early March.
Even in limited action this season, Antetokounmpo has performed at an MVP level. In 30 games, he is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 64.5 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three-point range. His absence will be felt, particularly after earning his 10th consecutive All-Star starter selection.
Still, this moment belongs to Fox. All-Star nods often hinge on timing, but they also serve as validation. Fox did not simply benefit from circumstance. He positioned himself as a key piece of a three-man backcourt that many worried wouldn’t work before the season started. Rather than trying to outclass the reigning Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle, and No.2 pick Dylan Harper, he has instead found a way to coexist with them while still being the lead man.
Sunday presents more than a fill-in role. It offers Fox the opportunity to remind the league that he is not just a replacement, he is an All-Star in his own right.