The story of Markelle Fultz, the No.1 pick in 2017 NBA Draft, continues to puzzle basketball fans even after the 21-year-old left Philadelphia 76ers. Fultz, who was traded to Orlando Magic in February, is yet to make his debut with his new team and as it turns out, no one knows when will that be.
Fultz hasn’t played in the NBA since November, being diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome which severely affected his ability to shoot the basketball. Although there were reports that he is making progress in rehab, even the Magic organization doesn’t know when he could be ready to play again.
Orlando’s coach Steve Clifford made an appearance on SiriusXM show “NBA Today” earlier this week and was asked about Fultz’s return. Clifford acknowledged the player’s progress but admitted that they “don’t have a timetable” for his return just yet.
“He’s been great. He’s working hard. He’s made good progress.” – said Clifford. “You know, we don’t have a timetable for when he’ll be back, but he’s really doing a good job.”
Former NBA player and current analyst Caron Butler recently also confirmed that Fultz is doing a good job this summer.
“The guy that no one’s talking about, who’s healthy, who’s worked his tail off right now all summer long is Markelle Fultz. I think he’s going to be a huge addition to this ball club.” – said Butler during NBA Summer League broadcast.
Although he was supposed to be one of Philadelphia 76ers franchise cornerstones, Markelle Fultz never managed to justify the high expectations in the pros. Since entering the league, he struggled with injuries and shooting, which eventually prompted 76ers to sit him out for the better part of the past two seasons.
Fultz only played 33 games in the NBA so far, averaging 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
