Sacramento Kings: 3 takeaways from Week 1

3. De’Aaron Fox is GOOD

Not sure if there’s a more simpler way to put it than that. De’Aaron Fox’s game has developed and it’s looking like he might make a big leap this season.

Through three games, Fox is averaging 20.3 points, 7.7 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game on 52.5 percent shooting. He’s been more assertive and aggressive on the offensive end. Though he’s averaging quite a few turnovers (3.7 per game), his playmaking has looked more polished.

He hasn’t been effective shooting the ball behind the 3-point line, just hitting one shot on seven attempts, but he’s finished at a high percentage from all other areas, including the free throw line where he’s made 18 of his 23 free throw attempts. He’s also done a great job drawing contact, resulting in a high volume of free throw attempts (7.7 per game).

The best part about it, though, is he’s done this against the best of the best in the Western Conference. The New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder are no slouches when it comes to playing defense.

Being able to put up numbers like he has while attacking the paint with elite rim protectors like Rudy Gobert and Anthony Davis patrolling the area, and putting the ball on the floor with respected defensive guards in Ricky Rubio and Jrue Holiday checking you is not an easy task.

Are these numbers sustainable? Maybe not. But they’re encouraging and give us a glimpse into what De’Aaron Fox is capable of on a night-to-night basis.