Ranking the top 50 NBA players of next season: 50-41

42. De’Aaron Fox

If only the Sacramento Kings were a better franchise. De’Aaron Fox is a clear star and the rest of this team (and more fairly the coaching staff and front office) need to catch up to his level. He will be turning 23 years old the day before the season returns. In his third season he took a leap while the rest of his team regressed.

This season he averaged 21.1 points, 6.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. His speed is his most talked about ability and for good reason but Fox is much more than that. He is a dynamic playmaker and a decent rebounder for his size.

Currently shooting is the only thing keeping him from being truly elite. He shot a miserable 29.2 percent from long range and a disheartening 70.5 percent from the line. It is more about picking his spots than anything. He shot 33.3 percent from the left corner and 47.1 percent above the break. If he can just to around average in the other areas he will be truly unstoppable.

Like many point guards, their impact is only felt fully when they have capable teammates around them. Fox averaged 6.8 assists this season with a hodgepodge roster and a coach who seemed somewhat lost at times. If the Kings can find new direction around him Fox will soar. Giving him a chance to play alongside 12th overall pick Tyrese Haliburton could unlock another side of his game.