Kings gameday live: Fox explains NFT project fiasco; Nuggets sign Cousins; Holmes’ status
Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox took to social media this week to explain his decision to shut down his SwipaTheFox NFT project after reportedly pulling in more than $1 million from investors.
Fox addressed the situation on Twitter after tabling the project, saying he underestimated the amount of time and energy the project would require.
“I want to address an NFT project we launched recently,” Fox tweeted. “The project launch was ill timed. I delegated certain aspects to the launch of the NFT in an attempt to partner with professionals. We weren’t happy with the execution & demand on my time and attention during the NBA season.”
The Kings (22-39) have 21 games remaining as they prepare to visit the Denver Nuggets (34-25) on Saturday at Ball Arena. Fox, who had 20 points in a 128-110 loss to the Nuggets on Thursday in Sacramento, has indicated he plans to continue his NFT project at a later date.
An NFT (non-fungible token) is a unique digital collectible, usually featuring an officially licensed image or video. One of the most popular examples is NBA Top Shot, which allows users to purchase limited-edition, rare and legendary collectibles, some of which have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Fox’s NFTs featured computer-generated cartoon foxes sporting various outfits, similar to the Bored Ape Yacht Club’s cartoon monkeys. The Athletic, which called the Fox fiasco the NBA’s “first NFT scandal,” reported that about 3,000 buyers spent an estimated $1.5 million on more than 6,000 SwipaTheFox NFTs that have now lost nearly all value.
In a statement issued on the SwipaTheFox Discord, Fox promised limited buy-backs for some users and autographed jerseys for others.
“I appreciate your understanding in this difficult situation,” Fox said. “I look forward to when we can do this the right way.”
Nuggets sign Cousins
The Nuggets have signed former Kings center DeMarcus Cousins for the rest of the season, the team announced Friday.
Cousins previously signed a 10-day contract with Denver. He has appeared in eight games for the Nuggets, averaging 6.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in 13.1 minutes per game. The four-time All-Star was not in Sacramento with the Nuggets on Thursday, but he could be in uniform Saturday in Denver.
Holmes questionable
Kings center Richaun Holmes is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game after being ruled out Thursday due to back soreness.
Holmes has been relegated to a backup role since the Kings acquired Domantas Sabonis in a trade with the Indiana Pacers. Holmes has appeared in 41 games this season, averaging 11.0 points and 7.4 rebounds.
Note: Check back throughout the day for updates on tonight’s game between the Kings and Nuggets.
Sacramento Kings at Denver Nuggets
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Ball Arena
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sports 1140 KHTK
Odds: Nuggets -8.0
Over/under: 237
Injury report
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Richaun Holmes (back). OUT — Terence Davis (wrist).
Nuggets: QUESTIONABLE — Zeke Nnaji (knee). OUT — Vlatko Cancar (foot); Jamal Murray (knee); Michael Porter Jr. (spine).
This story was originally published February 26, 2022 at 4:00 AM.
