Markelle Fultz draws well-deserved praise in his Summer League debut

Markelle Fultz showed off some promising stuff in his Summer League debut for the Philadelphia 76ers. Those around the league took notice.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics faced off in the most anticipated Summer League matchup to date Monday evening. In what was a back-and-forth affair, both teams’ prized rookies, Markelle Fultz and Jayson Tatum, stood out, while Celtics sophomore Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 29 points total. The Celtics, courtesy of a go-ahead jumper from Tatum, emerged victorious by a score of 89-88.

Fultz’s game in particular drew some attention from basketball Twitter — with Kevin Durant being his most notable admirer:

https://twitter.com/KDTrey5/status/882033584957136896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Farticles%2F2719727-kevin-durant-breaks-down-markelle-fultzs-game-in-tweet

Fultz has always been lauded for his smooth nature on the court. He seldom appeared rushed during his time at Washington, cutting through defenses with long strides and shifty ball handling that allowed him to find shots from virtually any angle. Few players with Fultz’s physical tools are as fluid and controlled in their motions as he currently is, and that obviously showed during his professional debut.

That smoothness is what makes Fultz one of the most gifted isolation scorers in this year’s class. It also translates to his playmaking, where his vision in the pick-and-roll and excellent control when ball handling allows him to thread the needle on passes while avoiding excessive turnovers. He doesn’t force the issue, and that’s a rarity for 19-year-olds at his position.

If I haven’t yet emphasized his smoothness enough, here’s a good example:

He also showed out on the defensive end, tallying three blocks — one of which included a brief demolition of Celtics second rounder Kadeem Allen.

https://twitter.com/hashBasketball/status/882033091962863616

Summer League obviously isn’t much to bank on. Simple defensive schemes, experimental offensive sets and a general lack of NBA-caliber talent makes stronger performances easier to come by, and Fultz’s was nothing out of the ordinary.

He did, however, show off the kind of skills that made him so highly coveted as one of the best guard prospects in recent seasons.

It’s not often that a player at the point guard position is an NBA-ready as Fultz is. He’s already a mindful passer, while he already understands how to use his physical tools. He doesn’t overexert himself at any given point, while his body control around the basket and when slithering through defenders is eerily James Harden-esque.

He showed he was capable of finding success both on and off the ball against Boston, a major prerequisite to success once he’s sharing the floor with Ben Simmons. His effort defensively is also worth noting, as his ability has always been present. The knock on him during college was his energy on that end, something that was understandably lacking when you consider just how hefty his offensive burden was.

Must Read: Breaking down the Sixers' depth chart on the wing

This Sixers team also has the framework for one of the league’s best defensive teams. They have an elite rim protector in Joel Embiid, while Robert Covington‘s emergence as a top flight wing defender gives them somebody who can lock down the opposition’s best perimeter threat while also switching around the court and forcing turnovers when needed. Simmons, like Fultz, has all the tools needed to succeed, yet never showed the energy.

If Brett Brown gets Fultz and Simmons to buy in, their ceiling is outright impressive.

This was just a small sample size in an relatively irrelevant setting for Fultz. But it’s a promising start, and one he can build off of as the regular season edges closer. With newfound expectations for a Philadelphia team that many believe can make the playoffs, the Washington product could be an integral piece in upping the team’s status in the Eastern Conference — in his first year as a professional.

Next: Stop debating Ben Simmons' position

No pressure, rook.