Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks

De’Aaron Fox goes to Sacramento Kings at No. 5

De’Aaron Fox of the Kentucky Wildcats dunks against the Wichita State Shockers in the second half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 19, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Kentucky Wildcats won 65-62. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
De’Aaron Fox of the Kentucky Wildcats dunks against the Wichita State Shockers in the second half during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 19, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Kentucky Wildcats won 65-62. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
By
June 23, 2017

The Sacramento Kings added Kentucky point guard De’Aaron Fox with the fifth pick in the NBA draft.

Fox is a high energy, defensive-minded guard who reportedly impressed teams with his fiery play. While his shot is a work in progress, Fox’s athletic ability makes him as tantalizing a prospect as any in this class.

Facing fellow point guard Lonzo Ball, selected second by Los Angeles, in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament, Fox scored 39 points on 13 of 20 shooting to eliminate UCLA. Fox was tamed — 13 points on 5 of 14 shooting — in the Elite Eight, falling to eventual champion North Carolina.

Fox is the third Wildcat to join the Kings in as many years, following big men Willie Cauley-Stein and Skal Labissiere. After trading franchise center DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento is in the midst of a rebuild. Fox complements shooting guard Buddy Hield well, and the Kings will hope that backcourt is the foundation of their next playoff team.

About the Author

Gabriel Burns is a general assignment reporter and features writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After four years on the Braves beat, he's expanded his horizons and covers all sports. You'll find him writing about MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and other Atlanta-centric happenings.

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