San Antonio Spurs star De’Aaron Fox will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair a tendon injury in his left pinkie according to ESPN insider, Shams Charania. He suffered the injury during training camp in October but played through it all season. The Spurs and Fox decided to proceed with surgery now to accelerate his recovery and improve offseason chemistry with the roster.

Spurs Season Ends With De’Aaron Fox Injury News

Fox played 62 games between the Sacramento Kings and Spurs this season. He averaged 23.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds. His most memorable performance came on November 15, when he dropped 60 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That game set the Kings’ franchise record for most points in a single contest. That’s also the highest tally by any player in the association this season.

Fox played 17 games for the Spurs after arriving at the trade deadline. His best performance for San Antonio came in a 126-116 win over the Dallas Mavericks. He posted 32 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds, and one steal. Despite his contributions, the Spurs struggled to remain competitive.

Spurs Season Crumbles Amid  De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama Injuries

San Antonio’s season has unraveled due to injuries and misfortunes. Star rookie Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the year in February due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Head coach Gregg Popovich also suffered a mild stroke in November and will not return to the bench this season.

The Spurs (27-37) had hopes of improving after adding Fox, but their injuries proved too overwhelming. Without Wembanyama, the team lost its defensive anchor. Without Fox, the offense will lack a dynamic playmaker.

Some believe the Spurs’ struggles were inevitable once Wembanyama’s injury was announced. Fox’s decision to undergo surgery confirms what many already suspected—the Spurs are no longer competing this year.

Spurs Pivot to the Draft Lottery

Fox’s injury all but guarantees the Spurs will miss the playoffs for the sixth straight year. Instead of competing for a play-in spot, the team will focus on securing the best possible lottery odds.

The Spurs currently sit in the top ten of the lottery standings. They could climb even higher with more losses. Last year, the Atlanta Hawks defied the odds and won the first overall pick despite having just a 3% chance. The Spurs hope for similar luck in the upcoming draft.

San Antonio’s biggest need is size in the frontcourt. The team could target a dominant big man in the draft to complement Wembanyama. With a high lottery pick, the Spurs could add another franchise cornerstone and accelerate their rebuild.

A Season to Forget

The Spurs entered the season with optimism, but injuries and setbacks have derailed their plans. Wembanyama’s injury, Popovich’s absence, and now Fox’s surgery have left the team with little hope. The focus now shifts to the future.

San Antonio will use the remainder of the season to develop young players and prepare for the draft. Fox’s surgery ensures he will be ready for next season, giving the Spurs a fresh start. For now, though, the Spurs must accept that their season is over.