In a league where towering giants dominate the paint, De’Aaron Fox has mastered the art of slaying these behemoths with an unconventional weapon—the floater. As one of the NBA’s Best Defenders, Fox’s unique skill set may be the Sacramento Kings’ golden ticket as they eye a playoff return in the 2024-25 season.
De’Aaron Fox’s Floater: The Shot That’s Humbling the NBA’s Best Defenders
Gone are the days when small-ball ruled the NBA. Today, the resurgence of traditional big men means the paint is crowded with giants like Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama. These towering defenders excel in “drop coverage,” a strategy that keeps them near the basket, ready to swat away any shot that comes too close. But there’s a chink in their armor, and Fox has found it.
Fox’s Secret Weapon: The Floater
While many players rely on pull-up threes to neutralize these big men, Fox prefers a subtler approach—the floater. This shot, a delicate push from just outside the paint, is nearly impossible to block, especially against defenders who are backpedaling in drop coverage. Fox’s mastery of this shot is no fluke. Last season, he ranked in the 77th percentile for short midrange shots among point guards, and the year before, he was in the 98th percentile. But these stats only tell part of the story.
Enter the BBall Index’s Floater Talent metric, the ultimate gauge of a player’s prowess in this tricky shot. Here, Fox ranks among the NBA’s elite, rubbing shoulders with names like Jalen Brunson, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a testament to Fox’s ability to thrive in a league filled with giants.
Why It Matters
In a Western Conference stacked with dominant centers, having a player like Fox who can neutralize drop coverage is a game-changer. His floater isn’t just a shot; it’s a weapon. It allows the Kings to exploit the very strength that these giants bring to the court. And in a league where inches can decide games, Fox’s ability to float over the opposition could be the difference between another early exit and a deep playoff run.
Fox’s rise as a floater god comes at a crucial time. The NBA is increasingly favoring teams that can adapt and exploit specific matchups. Fox’s ability to dissect drop coverage gives the Kings a unique edge, particularly against teams that rely heavily on their big men. As the season progresses, expect to see Fox’s floater become a highlight-reel staple, frustrating defenders and thrilling fans.
In a world where giants rule, Fox has become the giant slayer—a role he seems born to play.
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