The Sacramento Kings are in a free fall, having lost five straight games after a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. It has been reported that there may be some turmoil between the franchise and star player De’Aaron Fox, a notion that was on full display during their defeat, and in the postgame press conference afterward.
Frustrations Build Around De’Aaron Fox And The Sacramento Kings
Fox was statistically productive throughout the game. He scored 26 points and dished out 4 assists while adding 6 rebounds, and had two big second-half blocks. Up by as many as 19 points in the second half, it looked as though the Kings would be able to cruise to victory and end their unfortunate streak. But the Pistons came roaring back in the final minutes, and cut Sacramento’s lead to 3 with 10 seconds remaining.
De’Aaron Fox’s quick postgame presser.
When he was asked about the final play where he fouled Ivey:
“It doesn’t really matter. It’s not going to make anybody feel better.” pic.twitter.com/VmgxmwSwvl
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) December 27, 2024
On Detroit’s final possession, they found Jaden Ivey alone in the right corner. Despite the score and the need to defend against the three point shot, De’Aaron Fox inexplicably sagged off of his assignment, allowing Ivey to catch the ball cleanly. In a panicked closeout, Fox fouled the shooter, and the shot went in, and Ivey headed to the free throw line to complete the four point play. That was all that the Pistons needed, and secured the victory after Fox’s half court desperation heave went awry.
The defensive lapse itself was inexcusable, especially from the star player and supposed leader of the team in such a crucial moment of the game. But things seemed even more bleak for Kings fans during Fox’s post game press conference. When asked to talk about what happened on the final possession, he had this to say:
“It doesn’t really matter. It’s not going to make anyone feel better.”
Trade Rumors Will Swirl In Upcoming Days And Weeks
His availability to the media lasted less than two minutes, and he gave mostly hollow answers. His demeanor was coated not in disappointment and anger, but instead in apathy and detachment. The results of the game were bad, but the star player’s attitude and disposition made things even worse.
De’Aaron Fox press conference time
1 minute and 45 seconds.
That’s your team LEADER folks….— Michelle Dapper (@KCRAdapper) December 27, 2024
There have been plenty of rumblings about the future for De’Aaron Fox in recent weeks. He declined to sign an extension with the Kings during the off-season, and has said publicly that he is monitoring the team’s general direction and commitment to winning before signing with Sacramento long-term. With the franchise currently in a free fall down the standings in the Western Conference, it has become increasingly likely that Fox is frustrated with the situation. When his agent came to town and attended a game recently, it was assumed that meetings were being had with the team’s front office about the point guard’s future.
Trading Fox away would be a massive heel turn for the Kings after building around him for the last eight years, but they might be left with no choice if things don’t get turned around immediately. As of Friday, Sacramento has a record of 13-18, and are firmly planted in 12th place in the West. All five of their losses during the current streak have come at home.
