De’Aaron Fox has improved on the court – and off, making the King an award winner
No doubt Kings guard De’Aaron Fox has improved on the court. This weekend, he will be recognized for what he does away from basketball.
Before Sunday’s final home game of the season against the New Orleans Pelicans, the team will present the second-year guard with the 2019 Oscar Robertson Triple-Double Award.
The award, named after the NBA legend, is given annually to a Kings player who exemplifies excellence on the court and in the community. Fox has been vocal about the importance of health with an emphasis on breast health awareness throughout his journey to the NBA in honor of his mother, Lorraine Harris-Fox, an 18-year breast cancer survivor.
“I am honored to be presented with this award,” Fox said in a statement. “I am committed to continuing to use my platform to bring awareness to a cause that has impacted my family and so many others.”
On the court, Fox has seen an increase in several statistics this season, including scoring (from 11.6 to 17.2), assists (4.4 to 7.2) and field-goal percentage (41.2% to 45.3%).
Off the court, he’s been a leader in the community through his Breast Cancer Community Assist Program. According to the Kings, he’s raised $20,000 to benefit local nonprofit Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation to support efforts to battle cancer and serve patients and their families in the Sacramento region.
He and his mother have teamed up to host an annual clinic on Mother’s Day in Sacramento at Golden 1 Center for survivors and their families to learn not only about basketball, but also the importance of staying healthy and positive – especially through the challenges of breast cancer.
Fox has demonstrated the importance of giving back for his teammates. Earlier this season, rookies Marvin Bagley III and Harry Giles III, along with others, joined Fox and his mother at a charity bowling event to raise money for Albie Aware and bring joy to families affected by breast cancer.
“Some people only pay attention to us athletes on the court,” Fox said Friday before the Kings took on the Utah Jazz. “A lot of work goes into the community and what we do off the court. It’s an honor to be recognized for that.”
In honor of the influence Oscar Robertson has had throughout his life on the court and in the community, a Kings player is selected each season for the award. The honor is given annually to a Kings player who best exemplifies winning characteristics, both as an athlete and a conscientious citizen active in the community.
The award began in 2003, with five-time All-Star forward Chris Webber winning it first. Two players have won it in consecutive years (Corliss Williamson, 2006-07; and Garrett Temple, 2017-18).
Past recipients
Here’s the full list of the Kings’ Oscar Robertson Triple-Double Award winners:
2019 – De’Aaron Fox
2018 – Garrett Temple
2017 – Garrett Temple
2016 – Quincy Acy
2015 – Ben McLemore
2014 – Rudy Gay
2013 – Jason Thompson
2012 – Isaiah Thomas
2011 – Samuel Dalembert
2010 – Beno Udrih
2009 – Francisco Garcia
2008 – Kevin Martin
2007 – Corliss Williamson
2006 – Corliss Williamson
2005 – Peja Stojakovic
2004 – Vlade Divac
2003 – Chris Webber
This story was originally published April 6, 2019 at 8:45 AM.