Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz tore his left ACL in the early goings of a 105-94 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. He will miss the entire season, according to the Magic.
The injury occurred just five minutes into the game. Fultz was driving to the basket and was cut off by Cleveland’s Isaac Okoro, after which his left knee buckled without having any contact with Okoro. Fultz spent several minutes on the floor in very visible pain after which the training staff brought a wheelchair out to help take him to the locker room.
Fultz was picked first overall in the 2017 draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He then struggled for several years in Philadelphia because of a shoulder ailment that was very hard to diagnose and treat. It was determined to be thoracic outlet syndrome, a nerve issue that diminishes feeling in your arm and hand.
Fultz was later traded to Orlando in 2019 where he began to finally achieve the potential that many saw in him when he was drafted.
He just recently signed a three-year extension with the Magic worth $50 million. Orlando was off to a great start this season, boasting one of the best records in the league.
Fultz came into Wednesday’s game with the Cavs averaging a career-best 14.2 points. He was also averaging 6.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds over the first seven games of the season.
