With Victor Wembanyama already sidelined for the year after a season-ending deep vein thrombosis diagnosis in his right shoulder, the San Antonio Spurs took another hit.
As the team announced Thursday, De'Aaron Fox will be ending his season prematurely as well to repair ligament damage in his left fifth finger. He'll be out for Friday's contest.
The #Spurs announced that De'Aaron Fox will undergo season-ending surgery to repair ligament damage in his left pinkie.
— Matt Guzman (@mattgzman) March 14, 2025
The primary concern? His finger isn't able to extend fully, and needs taping. But it doesn't hinder his day-to-day. Below is him in San Antonio earlier today… pic.twitter.com/2tEXrhhxeN
Friday morning, Fox provided an injury update on his finger and decision to get season-ending surgery, stating that he expects a 12-week recovery process.
De’Aaron Fox said that his left pinkie finger was “in the way” affecting his dribbling, catch and shooting ability. Said if it was his right pinky he would’ve continued to play with it. He’s expecting a 12-week recovery.
— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) March 14, 2025
Fox and Wembanyama are joined on the Spurs' availability report by Charles Bassey, who is still dealing with a bone bruise in their left knee, and Riley Minix and David Duke Jr. — two of the team's two-way players.
Meanwhile, the Hornets' availability is as follows:
Damion Baugh - OUT (G League; Two-Way)
Tre Mann - OUT (Disc; Herniation)
Brandon Miller - OUT (Right Wrist; Ligament Repair)
Josh Okogie - OUT (Left Hamstring; Strain)
Tidjane Salaun- OUT (G League; On Assignment)
K.J. Simpson - OUT (G League; Two-Way)
Grant Williams - OUT (Right ACL; Repair)
San Antonio Spurs star De'Aaron Fox will undergo season-ending surgery on Tuesday for tendon damage in his left pinkie, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/W20JJB7ZdZ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 13, 2025
The Spurs, since losing Wembanyama, have gone 4-8 and currently sit at No. 12 in the Western Conference. Immediately after the first injury, Chris Paul iterated the intention to make a run at the Play-In Tournament despite the absence of their star.
Now? Such a goal is even tougher. Especially with one of the league's youngest rosters.
The Spurs aren't done trying, but the final stretch of the season may now become more development-heavy than it was originally thought to be.
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