The Mystery of Markelle is No More. At Least for Now.

By: Kenneth Chang

 When the Orlando Magic acquired Markelle Fultz from the Philadelphia 76ers at last February’s trade deadline, Magic fans were ecstatic at the prospect of finally having a potential go-to wing scorer. And even better, they didn’t give up much to get him. However, Fultz was sidelined since December after being diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, an injury that affects the nerves between the neck and shoulder. The hope was that he would return at some point in the season, but Magic officials were mum on his status and vague with their statements throughout the remainder of their playoff run and all summer long. They were going to let him take as much time as he needed to get healthy and had no timetable set for his return. While optimism amongst some fans was slightly there, I like many came to the conclusion that whatever we could get from Fultz this upcoming season is just an added bonus.

 On September 16th, just two weeks before the start of training camp, it was announced that the team exercised the fourth-year option of Fultz ($12.3 million) rookie scale contract. It wasn’t so much a surprise to Magic fans given the investment the team had made by trading for him. Nevertheless, the fact that the front office chose to commit that amount of money to a player who has yet to play in a game with the team was a sign that, “Hey! Maybe this guy is healthy after all and management sees something they like.”

 And then about a week later it finally happened. The public received a series of videos posted by media of Fultz shooting around in the Magic facility. A lot of Magic fans like myself were excited while others were pumping the brakes on all the hoopla and critical of his shooting mechanics. But more importantly, Fultz and Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman confirmed that the number one overall pick of the 2017 draft would be healthy, and fully ready to go for the start of training camp. So that brings us to the present. Fultz is impressing players and coaches alike in scrimmages and is poised to play in Orlando’s first preseason contest at San Antonio this weekend.

 

Fultz and Kobe

So what should we expect from ‘Kelle?’ Ups and downs. This is a player who has played in only 33 games in his short NBA career. Prior to the start of last season, Sixers coach Brett Brown anointed Fultz as the starter at shooting guard in place of the veteran J.J. Redick. The spotlight and expectations were magnified on a level where Fultz was expected to contribute immediately for a Philly team that was poised to compete for an eastern conference title. Ultimately, Fultz went through a series of issues where he lost his confidence and mechanics on his shot and was diagnosed with the TOS that ultimately ended his season.

 At media day, Magic coach Steve Clifford when asked if Fultz would potentially start at point guard said,  “We’ll see.” And sure, while it is tempting to over utilize the shiny new toy, the team should continue to preach patience with Fultz and bring him along slowly. The goal for Markelle this season should be to continue to learn the NBA game and more importantly stay as healthy as possible throughout the entire season. Fultz admitted in interviews that the pain in his shoulder recurs when he overworks it and so it's imperative that the team makes sure that he doesn’t suffer any setbacks. After all, we Magic fans are still traumatized with the injury of a once highly regarded player by the name of Grant Hill who came back to soon.

Fultz in training camp

 Best case scenario is that Fultz turns into the player that made him the consensus top pick two years ago and gives this team the perimeter scorer they have been looking for. The Magic have lacked a dynamic playmaker who can create his own shot and for others as well, while also getting to the basket and breaking down defenses. The Magic have ranked near the bottom of the league in free throw attempts for the last seven seasons. Adding a player who can drive down the lane and put pressure on defenses should subsequently improve the free throw rate and offensive efficiency.

 Worst case scenario is that Fultz is never able to fully recover from the TOS and is a shell of the player he was while a freshman at Washington (23.2 ppg, 5.7 reb, 5.9 ast).

 Nonetheless, it will have to be a wait and see approach. Presumably a season of highs and lows, but hopefully one that produces signs that Fultz will ultimately become an All-Star type talent. If he ever gets to that level, he could thank Kobe Bryant for instilling that “Mamba Mentality” he says he picked up while working out with the five-time champion out in Los Angeles this summer.

 Fultz for one is not taking this process lightly. “Imagine having the thing you love most in the world taken away from you,” Fultz said. “That’s what happened to me. Now I have it back and will never take it for granted again.”

 One thing is for certain. ‘Kelle’ is back and the mystery of when he’ll be back on the court is no more.

 At least for now.