Fox is one half of Kentucky’s two-headed monster in the backcourt this season, pairing well with Malik Monk for the most explosive combination of perimeter talents we’ve seen in recent years. At 6-4, Fox is the quickest player end-to-end in this year’s class, pushing the pace in transition with John Wall-esque proficiency. He’s incredibly difficult for college-level defenders to keep in front of, and has sizable offensive potential based on his quickness alone.
But where Fox does fall a bit short is his shooting. Or, a lot short. He’s hitting on just 18.9 percent on his 3-point shots this season, and doesn’t excel all that much in the mid-range game either, hitting just 32.2 percent frame that range. Creating space isn’t a problem for Fox. He’s a shifty ball handler, and can blow by an opponent or shake free with a stepback sans resistance. It’s just a matter of him actually hitting shots — and he doesn’t do that well whatsoever.
And therein lies his most pressing issue, and the one thing holding him back from being in the top 5 or 6 conversation in regards to draft night positioning. In today’s NBA, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to exploit defenses without a perimeter shot. John Wall is the best case scenario for Fox, yet even he has established a semi-consistent shot over the years. And while there’s nothing definitive in saying Fox can’t do so, there’s little certainly. Wall is also a more polished playmaker, and was one coming out of college as well.
We’ve seen guys of his ilk — Elfrid Payton, most notably — experience wild inconsistency in recent seasons, and that’s what pushes Fox’s stock outside of that utmost highest tier.
Previous Ranking: 12
With that said, though, Fox’s game does possess some very clear positives. His ability to get into the teeth of the defense at will forces the defense to collapse, creating more open shots on the perimeter — and thus allowing Fox to find them. That allows him to be a killer in the pick-and-roll at times, while the general gravity of his rapid bursts to the basket makes him notably difficult to defend.
Here, Fox uses the dribble hesitation and quick blow-by to get to the rim with impressive ease.
Fox’s offensive potential is coupled with excellent defensive instincts as well. As his frame fills out, he should be able to cover both guard spots on a high level. He’s a consistent source of energy defensively, and uses his quick speed and aforementioned instincts to speed his way into passing lanes and kick-start transition opportunities as a result.
If Fox gets a jumper, watch out.