ClutchPoints
Markelle Fultz, the former #1 overall draft pick in 2017 by the Philadelphia 76ers, was quickly facing the title of one of the biggest busts in NBA history. A shoulder injury has crippled Fultz for some time now and relegated his shot to something some people might call unwatchable. He was shooting an ugly 33% from the field when the 76ers decided to bench him until fully recovered. Controversy with the shooting trainers in Philly and piled up injuries left a bad taste in everyone’s mouths about the now 21-year-old.
Last season in February, the 76ers decided to cop out of this disaster and trade Fultz to the Orlando Magic for Jonathan Simmons and a package of draft picks. The Magic saw something in the prospect who is the youngest player ever to record a triple double.
It has been 2 years since Fultz has been fully healthy. Both Markelle and the Magic organization feel good about how far he has come.
His shot is a work in progress and different from his college days according to the Magic. Fultz does seem to have the confidence and will to make a comeback in his career, as he stated, “A lot of people, they would never go play with what I had and knowing they couldn’t shoot the ball” (NBA.com).
The Orlando Magic surprisingly made the playoffs last year and they took a low risk-high reward trade for Fultz. If he doesn’t work out, it is not the end of the world. However, if he is even 80% of what he was supposed to be, this Magic team could develop into something special.
