One of the most frustrating things to watch an NBA player do is repeatedly run into a brick wall like he doesn't know it's there. That's how I describe guys who just attack shot blockers, who have no real plan other than, "I might get it off." They often don't and end up looking silly as the opposition sprints the other way in transition. Thankfully, De'Aaron Fox doesn't have that problem.
Top 100 in total paint non-rim FGA pic.twitter.com/DIkYS8XF8d
— NBA University (@NBA_University) August 6, 2025
The graphics above show the efficiency of players who get into the paint and score without touching the restricted area. The first thing that may jump out at you is how ridiculous Nikola Jokic is. He's so far above everyone else, it doesn't make much sense. But it also kind of does when you consider he's won three MVP awards. He's already a top-50 player all-time with the accolades he's accumulated.
But what you should notice is that Swipa is also high on this list. He outpaces guys like Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry, and is even more efficient than Spurs legend and Hall-of-Fame point guard, Tony Parker. This ability is imperative for negating shot blockers as it's much tougher for them to time their contests against floaters, runners, and short pull-ups.
Fox's ability will help the Spurs fend off shot blockers like OKC's
D. Fox is one of the fastest players in the league with the ball in his hand. Often, too much speed can lead to a player's pace being out of control. Russell Westbrook, while an undoubted Hall-of-Fame athlete in his own right, has been rightly accused of having this problem throughout his career. He's lacked the ability to lay off the gas just enough to show off a feathery touch because it doesn't exist for him.
San Antonio's newly extended point guard doesn't have that problem. OKC has Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and newly drafted Thomas Sorber. They'll try their best to deter Fox from getting to the rim, but that's fine with him. He can get buckets in all kinds of ways to throw them off their game.
The best part is that he can teach Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle those traits, as well. As fellow downhill scorers, it's important that they understand the different ways to attack players who are just waiting for them at the rim. Castle has already shown some of that with his uncanny start/stop ability, but Fox is on another level with the crafty ways he can finish among the trees.
Bigs are making a comeback in a major way. OKC, Dallas, Houston, and many other teams have not just one but at least two bigs who can make life difficult in the paint if you're not careful. It's nice to know the floor general in silver and black can navigate those dangerous waters safely. It'll be necessary in the Race for Seis.