When De’Aaron Fox got traded to the Spurs at last month’s deadline, everyone was excited to see him run the floor with Victor Wembanyama. Many even fancied their chances of making the playoffs. But a series of unfortunate events has shattered those expectations. First, Wemby got shut down for the season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder. Turns out, Fox has now suffered the same fate as the big Frenchman.

As per the latest report by veteran insider Shams Charania, De’Aaron’s season has also come to an abrupt end. The reason? An upcoming surgery on Tuesday to repair the tendon damage in his left pinkie. Well, he sustained the injury during training camp back in October while he was still part of the Kings roster. Fox decided to play through it as the issue was not too severe.

However, with Wemby already done for the season and the Spurs practically out of the playoff race with a 27-37 record, the timing of Fox’s surgery seems intentional. Now, he will get enough time to recover during the summer and return completely healthy and prepared for next season. Sure enough, Fox has been a huge asset to the San Antonio team since the trade, averaging 19.7 points and nearly seven assists. And once he improves the chemistry with Victor and the rest of his new teammates, the Spurs could turn into legitimate contenders.

While the Fox update has likely ended their playoff hopes for this year, there could be a massive silver lining amid their misery. Yes, this improves the Spurs’ chances of acquiring another generational talent to pair alongside Wemby. NCAA star – Cooper Flagg!

Turns out, their odds of winning the lottery and acquiring the first pick in this year’s draft have shot up to 3%, as per Tankathon. Highest odds currently belong to three teams, Wizards, Jazz, and Hornets, tied at 14%. If the Spurs’ record continues to decline, which is highly likely with Fox and Wemby out, their odds could increase significantly by the end of the season. But there is one major concern!

Cooper Flagg’s health raises concern amid De’Aaron Fox’s shortened season

With a handful of regular season games remaining, the top half of the standings looks set, and they are still fighting to book a permanent playoff seeding. But there is a different race going on in the bottom half. The race to acquire Cooper Flagg, who has been deemed the next big thing. Taking college basketball by storm, he is averaging 19.4 points and nearly eight rebounds as a freshman, while constantly going viral with his high-flying dunks.

Unfortunately, the Duke star suffered a massive setback earlier today. During an ACC tournament game against Georgia Tech, Flagg suffered a brutal left ankle injury by landing awkwardly after a rebound. In a scary sight, he looked in immense agony and limped off the floor, leaving the game in the first half. Flagg did not return.

Although Flagg’s X-Ray returned negative, head coach Jon Scheyer revealed that he is “a real longshot” to return for Friday’s semifinal. Duke would not want to rush the youngster’s return as he has his entire career ahead of him.

Surely, the Spurs and other teams, who are hoping to acquire Flagg in the draft, would be praying for his speedy recovery. And if the 3% odds work in their favor, the Spurs forming the duo of Flagg and Wemby, with veterans like Fox and Chris Paul alongside them, could turn the franchise into NBA’s next big dynasty. Do you agree?