Okay, let's get the prerequisite objections out of the way for the lackluster play of Kings rookie De'Aaron Fox.
He's only 19.
His shot is going to get better.
He's playing with slow teammates.
Fans need to show some patience.
All legitimate. All probably correct. But also red flags for the highly touted point guard out of Kentucky, who was drafted fifth by the Kings and was expected to wow the league with his incredible quickness.
So let's get down to reality.
He is not playing well. He is not a threat outside of 12 feet. He is not initiating the offense. He is not penetrating and making plays. He's getting lost on defense. And he is turning the ball over.
Oh, and one last thing: The other rookie point guard - Frank Mason - is absolutely doing all of the things that Fox is not. He's been gritty and fierce and, most importantly, willing to take control.
Yes, Mason is older and far more experienced, but that doesn't excuse the biggest red flag of all about Fox:
Fox has been oddly passive,
It's strange to watch Fox simply get into the front court, hand the ball off and move quietly to the corner. It's even stranger because he's the primary ball handler, even with George Hill on the court.
But he's not calling for picks and he's not directing traffic. And he certainly isn't drawing defenders.
Maybe he doesn't feel comfortable yet in the offense. Maybe he doesn't want to step on toes.
But if the Kings are looking for an Alpha-dog attitude to lead their team for the next decade, the sight of Fox has to be concerning.
Fox obviously has talent. But does he have that intangible "it factor" that turns talent into stardom? So far, we haven't seen it. And that's not a factor of youth. It's a factor of attitude.
The Kings desperately need a star. Fox, an amazingly likable kid, shines in his off-court interviews. He could own Sacramento - and the league - by fulfilling his potential.
The odds are that Fox will figure it out on the court, but you can't change the internal combustion engine of a player.
Kings fans need to see a few games - even a few glimpses - that prove Fox is ready to grab the league by the collar and announce his arrival.
