De’Aaron Fox Set to Make Season Debut for Spurs After Hamstring Recovery

The San Antonio Spurs have begun the 2025–26 season on a high note, and now they’re poised to receive a significant reinforcement. Veteran point guard De’Aaron Fox is expected to make his long-awaited debut on Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Fox, 27, has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during offseason workouts, forcing him to miss the preseason and the team’s first eight regular-season games. After weeks of recovery and conditioning, he has reportedly cleared the final hurdles to return to the lineup.

“San Antonio Spurs star De’Aaron Fox plans to make his season debut against the New Orleans Pelicans at home on Saturday,” Charania reported. “Fox rehabbed from an offseason hamstring injury and ramped up this week for his weekend debut.”

The timing couldn’t be better for a Spurs team already showing early promise. Fox’s return adds veteran leadership, speed, and playmaking to a youthful roster built around rising star Victor Wembanyama — a pairing many expect to form one of the most dynamic duos in the Western Conference.

1. A Proven Performer Returns

Fox’s presence will immediately change the complexion of the Spurs’ backcourt. The 2023 All-Star brings elite pace, scoring, and on-court command — all qualities that make him an ideal complement to Wembanyama’s inside-out versatility. San Antonio is expected to start Fox right away, signaling confidence in his readiness after a full recovery period. Across his nine-year career, Fox has averaged 21.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 47 percent from the field. Known for his explosive first step and ability to create in transition, he’s also developed into a more balanced floor leader in recent years. His three-point percentage sits at 33 percent, but his impact goes well beyond shooting — it’s his tempo and playmaking that have made him a franchise cornerstone wherever he’s played. The Spurs’ early-season offense has looked fluid under head coach Gregg Popovich, but the addition of a true point guard will help stabilize the team in late-game situations. Fox’s ability to collapse defenses could open up opportunities for shooters like Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, while easing Wembanyama’s workload in the post. If Fox can quickly find rhythm after his layoff, the Spurs could solidify themselves as one of the Western Conference’s most balanced and unpredictable teams — a mix of veteran savvy and young energy.

2. From Sacramento to San Antonio: A New Chapter

Fox’s arrival in San Antonio marked a pivotal moment for both player and franchise. The Spurs acquired him from the Sacramento Kings during the 2024–25 campaign, seeking long-term stability at point guard to pair with their young core. For Fox, it represented a chance to step into a leadership role within a developing team poised to contend for years to come. His transition to the Spurs came with expectations — not just to contribute statistically, but to set a tone for professionalism and competitiveness. Even while sidelined, Fox has reportedly been a vocal presence during practices and team meetings, mentoring younger teammates and staying engaged in the system. San Antonio’s coaching staff has praised Fox’s approach to recovery and preparation. His return will be carefully managed, with limited minutes early on to avoid setbacks. However, the organization views his comeback as the final piece in solidifying their rotation after a promising start to the campaign. In many ways, Fox’s Spurs debut represents the official start of the franchise’s next era — one where Wembanyama’s generational talent is guided by the steady hand of a veteran floor leader.

3. Spurs Eye Momentum in Competitive West

The Western Conference is as crowded as ever, and every win matters for a Spurs team seeking to establish itself among the playoff contenders. San Antonio’s 5–3 start has shown glimpses of its potential, but the absence of a consistent point guard has limited the team’s offensive flow in key moments. Fox’s return could provide the structure needed to maintain composure against tougher opponents. His speed in transition and ability to dictate tempo align well with Popovich’s emphasis on ball movement and efficiency. Moreover, Fox’s leadership could help balance the exuberance of a young roster still learning how to win close games. His chemistry with Wembanyama will be closely watched. The combination of Fox’s driving ability and Wembanyama’s length and versatility could create matchup nightmares for defenses across the league. Both players thrive in motion — one as a playmaker, the other as a finisher — and their connection could define San Antonio’s offensive identity moving forward. As the Spurs prepare for Saturday’s home game, anticipation is high. With Fox back in uniform, the franchise hopes this marks the beginning of a sustained push toward relevance in the Western Conference playoff race.