To make this both short and relatively simple, not much has changed in regards to Fultz’s standing — and not much will. In a draft filled with premier talent, Fultz has proven himself to be a cut above the rest, with a combination of control, basketball I.Q., and mistake-devoid basketball that is rarely seen from somebody who’s just 18 years of age.
Despite being plagued by a horrid roster and a less-than-ideal record with Washington, none of that can be attributed to Fultz. He’s averaging 23.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game this year, while doing so on shooting percentages 47.8 and 41.7 from the field and the 3-point line respectively. Those are historically great numbers, and he’s doing so while surrounded by talent that provides minimal aid in the process.
Fultz’s dominance starts physically, and branches out through one of the more savvy and mature approaches in the collegiate realm. At 6-5, he boasts great size for the modern day point guard, while wielding a rangy wingspan that measures in the vicinity of 6-11. That helps him gain extra separation on his shots that other guards may not get, while also allowing him to see over the defense and have more freedom in how he angles his passes.
Wrap-around passes like these are where that comes into play most visibly.
Perhaps what is most impressive upon watching Fultz play, though, is how collected he is on seemingly every trip down the floor. He seldom appears rushed, and handles the ball with an innate ease that is rarely seen at such a young age. He weaves through defenders, utilizing gorgeous hesitation moves and quick bursts of speed, yet never appears labored in doing so. He has a sense of control that feels almost generational. He operates on a different plane than his competition at times, and that puts him atop my draft board in relatively decisive fashion.
Watch how easily he knifes through the defense here, getting all the way to the rim in two steps and dishing it off for the assist:
Like Smith, Fultz has had some defensive concerns in regards to his effort on that end of the floor, but the similarities end there in that regard. Fultz’s length allows him to make impressive bursts into passing lanes on occassion, as well as giving him some entertaining shot blocking ability when acting as the metaphorical free safety in transition. He has all the tools, and has flashed them more than a handful of times. It’s simply about execution at this point.
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There’s really not much against Fultz in this case, which is a true testament to just how talented he is given the magnitude of talent concentrated towards the top of the lottery in this year’s class. This is the best draft class — potentially — since 2003, when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony, among other studs, entered the league. Fultz has made himself the clear-cut top prospect in this class. That says something about how special the kid is.