De'Aaron Fox named All-Star replacement, says he won't tip teammates on defending Victor Wembanyama
De'Aaron Fox was added to the 75th All-Star Game roster as a replacement for an injured star and made clear he won't be handing out inside information on how to guard Spurs teammate Victor Wembanyama. Fox will suit up for USA Stripes in the midseason showcase on Feb. 15 at 5 p. m. ET.
Fox steps in for injured All-Star, bolsters USA Stripes
Commissioner Adam Silver selected Fox to fill a vacancy created by Giannis Antetokounmpo's withdrawal with a right calf strain. The guard's selection marks his second All-Star nod and his first since the 2022-23 season. In his ninth NBA season, Fox is producing 19. 4 points, 3. 8 rebounds, 6. 3 assists and 1. 27 steals per game across 45 appearances.
Fox's midseason form follows a strong showing in last year's Emirates Cup, where he was named to the All-Tournament Team after averaging 22. 3 points, 7. 7 assists and 2. 00 steals during the Spurs' run to the championship game. San Antonio sits near the top of the Western Conference at 38-16, and Fox will join a star-studded All-Star field that includes his Spurs teammate Wembanyama on the international roster.
The 75th All-Star Game will use the revamped U. S. vs. World format, with three teams—two representing U. S. players and one composed of internationals—competing in a round-robin mini-tournament made up of four 12-minute games. Fox will be part of USA Stripes while Norman Powell will shift from that squad to the World team ahead of the event.
Won't give away Spurs secrets: Fox declines to brief teammates on Wembanyama
With Spurs teammates split between All-Star teams, the prospect of sharing scouting insight naturally came up. Fox was blunt when asked if he'd be offering advice about defending Wembanyama, saying, "I'm not telling them s***. I don't want to win this game that bad where I'm going to give Vic stuff away. "
The comment underscores a balancing act All-Stars face: camaraderie in a celebratory weekend while protecting competitive advantages and team chemistry. Wembanyama, one of the league's most unique defensive presences, presents individual challenges that teammates who normally practice against him might be tempted to unpack for opponents. Fox's refusal signals he intends to preserve those in-house advantages—even on All-Star weekend.
Teammate dynamics aside, Fox's addition reshuffles All-Star rotations and adds ball-handling and playmaking to USA Stripes. His speed and ability to push tempo should fit cleanly with the exhibition's high-paced environment, and his inclusion highlights how coaches and league officials are prioritizing both merit and matchups when assembling rosters for the new format.
What this means for Fox and the Spurs
Being named an All-Star replacement is recognition of Fox's sustained production and his role in San Antonio's rise this season. For the Spurs, having two players represented across All-Star rosters—Fox and Wembanyama—puts a spotlight on the franchise's core and the progress it's made.
Fox's presence in the midseason showcase also gives him a national stage to reinforce his standing among the league's top guards. Whether he uses the weekend to rest, showmanship or competitive edge, his blunt stance on not divulging scouting details makes clear where his priorities lie: loyalty to his club and protecting the handful of advantages that help the Spurs compete night in, night out.
