It has been a tough free agency period for Markelle Fultz. While he was never going to fetch superstar-level money, the complete lack of a market has been shocking. A former 1st overall pick, Fultz’s NBA career never got off to the right start. Due to injuries, and then some symptoms, his career took a turn for the worse. And, despite strong showings with the Orlando Magic, it doesn’t look like the magic is coming back.
When he came into the league, Markelle was a no-doubt 1st pick in the draft. With Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid at the helm, the Philadelphia 76ers were immediately seen as contenders after getting Fultz. But, his career didn’t pan out how everyone was envisioning. Instead, he has failed to crack even the 25-game mark multiple times in his career.
With the Magic, he had a chance to revive his career and find the groove that made him such an elite prospect. Similar to Lauri Markkanen with the Utah Jazz, some in Florida were expecting a gargantuan leap from the two-way guard. However, those expectations didn’t pan out. Instead, it looks like teams are done giving him a chance to expand his game and find his way back.
The Markelle Fultz revival is over
So far, no teams have come calling on Markelle’s doorstep. And it appears unlikely to change. The once-promising youngster is now 26 years old and entering what should be the prime of his career. Yet, injuries remain a constant problem for him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Markelle Fultz, Orlando Magic Updates
While he has become a reliable point guard option, his role has been limited with the Magic with their overwhelming rotation of guards. Additionally, the jump shot still remains suspect, making any potential suitors cautious in a league that continues to move further away from the basket.
However, that doesn’t mean that he is a complete no-show. On the defensive side, he remains constantly underrated. Thanks to his long size, he is a matchup nightmare with endless hustle. On the offensive end, while the jumper isn’t around, his driving ability is still brilliant. Further, as a lead orchestrator, his combination of passing, playmaking, and natural basketball IQ is rare.
It looks unlikely that a team takes a bet on the youngster to find his groove again. His final opportunity for that may have come in Orlando. In his final season with the team, his averages were 7.8 points with over 2 assists. The alternative for Fultz is to take on a bench role.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Markelle Fultz, Orlando Magic Updates
As a contributor in the rotation rather than the main show, his productivity could be better. Further, his combination of playmaking and defense could land him in a TJ McConnell-type role on a contender. In that capacity, Markelle could change the entire perception around him.
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