III. Poor Shooting percentage
Washington Basketball point guard Markelle Fultz ran that team’s offense. Not he must participate in the Philadelphia 76ers offense. that is a huge change for the young man. He goes from driver to … passenger.
Everything we’ve seen on film in his season with the Washington Huskies suggests he can handle it. On one hand, he shared the ball handling with teammate guard David Crisp. On the other hand, he initiated ball movement that froze defenders in their tracks. In fact he, or an open shooter, made the shot.
Air Alamo
Now, he will facilitate, but not drive, the offense. His role changes dramatically at this level. He will be the off-ball guard who sets up and waits for the ball. Can he shoot accurately without the orb in his his possession for long periods of time?
Foul Foul Shooting
The book on Markelle Fultz is already written. If he has the ball, foul him. It’s just that simple. By doing so, the defender takes him away from a 40 percent or better clip at the three point line, and converts it to a 64.9 percent accuracy at the one-point line.
Until that free-throw approaches 80 percent or better, he will be sent to the line frequently. And that is just the beginning. Markelle Fultz is a one-and-done 19 year-old rookie, who is entering the league of LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and any number of childhood idles. There is no way to remove the excitement of stepping onto the basketball court with these star players. Nor would I want to. They played, and he was drawn to their sport. Shutting down that awe will be a learned response, after several not-so-memorable performances. Entering the big leagues is easier than earning the big leagues.