Fox sends message to fans, vows Kings will return to NBA playoffs

Fox sends message to fans, vows Kings will return to NBA playoffs originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Kings and their fans still are reeling after being eliminated by a Zion Williamson-less New Orleans Pelicans last week in the NBA Play-In Tournament.

Sacramento returned to its playoff-less ways after snapping its league-record 16-year postseason drought during the 2022-23 season, to make matters worse.

But star guard De’Aaron Fox isn’t going to let the negative outcome define him and his team.

Fox, who just finished his seventh NBA season, issued a heartfelt promise to Kings fans in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

In sharing eight of his favorite pictures from this season, Fox captioned his post: “Sac fans: yall deserve to be in the playoffs. We’ll get back. 💜”

Fox left his heart on the court for Sacramento fans in the Kings’ season-ending, 105-98 loss at Smoothie King Center, finishing with 35 points, seven rebounds and five assists, sitting only six minutes.

And if anyone will back a promise, it’s the Kings’ guard.

Fox previously made a promise to Kings fans when entering his second season with Sacramento in 2018. The then-20-year-old emphasized wanting to fight for the city, as fans remained supportive despite the playoff drought at the time.

“Sacramento, you don’t ask for a lot. Just that we’re all in, like you are,” Fox said in 2018. “I don’t want to make any promises I can’t keep, but I’ll promise this: You fought for us, this team, this franchise, this city -- and that’s why we’ll fight for you.”

Fox and his teammates have fought for Sacramento over the years.

Last season’s playoff run, albeit short-lived, proved the Kings were serious about wanting more than NBA Draft Lottery picks and Sacramento’s fight for a 2024 postseason spot while down key guards Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter only furthers the sentiment.

Sure, the Kings have a big summer ahead, as the team bears a roster that isn’t quite championship contention-worthy.

But when Fox says something, he means it. Expect the Kings to shake things up during the offseason, as they evaluate paths back to the playoffs.