Best career?
Fultz (and Simmons) were also snubbed in what was a relatively simple question: Which rookie will have the best career?
Fultz was tied for sixth, receiving a just 5.3 percent of the vote. That was tied with Simmons and Harry Giles, who was selected 20th by the Sacramento Kings. Jayson Tatum and Lonzo Ball led the tally on 18.4 percent, while Josh Jackson, Dennis Smith Jr. and De’Aaron Fox also finished ahead of the Sixers’ rookie(s).
Of all the votes that are categorically upsetting, this one may be the most outrageous. Markelle Fultz not only joins a team that’s trending in the right direction, but his skill set is highly indicative of somebody who can thrive in today’s league.
When you look at the prerequisites for success in today’s league, versatility and physical tools are at the forefront of that list. Fultz is 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, while his contributions range from isolation scoring to thriving off the ball.
Must Read: Top 10 rookie/sophomore assets in the NBA
We saw Fultz take on a role as offensive bell cow during his time at Washington. The talent around him was lacking, so he was asked to carry the bulk of their offensive load, both as a playmaker and as a scorer.
That meant the ball was almost always in Fultz’s hands, while the offense boiled down to countless pick-and-rolls and a handful of actions that were designed to put Fultz in the best position possible as an iso-heavy scorer.
During Summer League, we saw Fultz playing more off the ball — where he’ll be situated alongside Simmons. His quick, fluid release allows him to stretch the floor out extremely well, while his combination of nifty dribble moves and impeccable footwork makes him a dangerous threat when attacking closeouts or receiving the ball in dribble handoffs.
We haven’t seen a guard entering the league with Fultz’s offensive polish since Kyrie Irving took over the 2011 class. He’s a legitimately special talent, and people’s failure to recognize that — while marginalizing Simmons to an even greater extent — is frustrating more so than anything else.