“Sometimes you have to know how to protect the players from themselves”. Mike Brown summed up in one sentence the situation that De’Aaron Fox is currently going through, injured in the foot (and thumb), but not enough according to the leader to make a pit stop. “I played well when I was in pain, so it will be fine”, he even confided after his complicated match against the Bucks.
Finally, De’Aaron Fox was brought to his senses Friday night by not taking part in the stunning victory against Cleveland.
“He was a little shaken up. He had problems with his foot and stuff so I thought it would be best to leave him on the bench and let him recover his body so he’s ready to continue on that long road trip. », said Mike Brown.
The temptation of MSG…
Having his thumb injury aggravated finally got the better of De’Aaron Fox’s willingness not to abandon his team during this six-game road trip.
“He wasn’t the one who said he couldn’t go. Because if it was 100% up to him, he probably would have continued, like he already did. He hurt himself again a few games ago, so it was a joint decision.”, added Coach Brown.
The result acquired in Cleveland finally confirmed the staff (and the player) in their choice. On the one hand, the Kings are less “in a hurry” than in previous seasons, on the other, the point guard certainly does not want to see this fine start to the season being undermined by a “minor” injury.
With the approach of a game always special in the season, on the floor of the Knicks, at Madison Square Garden this Sunday, the player should again be tested. Whatever the result, his coach Mike Brown does not put pressure on him.
“There are still a lot of games left and sometimes you have to protect a player, especially if he is competitive and wants to be on the pitch with his teammates. So we are taking the situation day by day. It’s not something I’ve considered for the future, there’s no specific date set for his return. We’ll see how he feels, and if I feel he needs to continue resting, we’ll leave him on the bench. »
