The Sixer Sense
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Markelle Fultz’s jumper doesn’t wreck his stock

By Christopher Kline

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 27: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before practice on September 27, 2017 at the Sixers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 27: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before practice on September 27, 2017 at the Sixers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Markelle Fultz‘s shot was off in the Philadelphia 76ers‘ scrimmage at the Palestra last Sunday, but there’s still plenty of reason for optimism moving forward.

Markelle Fultz showed off a glaring issue in the Philadelphia 76ers‘ intrasquad scrimmage at the Palestra last Sunday, with shooting mechanics that felt forced and out of whack. That came after tinkering with his free throw form all summer, which leaves some grey area in terms of figuring out just where Fultz’s jumper stands heading into preseason play.

There’s a chance that he was still just experimenting, with the Blue x White scrimmage holding little significant beyond pure entertainment for the fans in attendance. There’s also a chance that his tinkering — something that Brett Brown said was conducted without the coaching staff — has led to some not-so-favorable alterations in his release.

In the actual scrimmage, Fultz was only able to hit one of several mid-range attempts, while Jerryd Bayless comfortably sagged off of him all game. There were countless open threes that Fultz passed up, and the only mid-range jumper he did connect on had a noticeable hitch.

That shot form is a definite concern, but it doesn’t drop Fultz’s status as the best prospect in this year’s class. A wonky jumper would certainly add time to his adjustment period at the next level, but the remainder of his skill set is still advanced well beyond most 19-year-old point guards.

Even with his shot not falling, Fultz showed the craftiness that drew some James Harden comparisons leading up to draft night. He was able to get to the rim and finish through or around contact, while his vision as a passer — both off of drives and in the pick-and-roll — was evident.

He also has the ability to create space at all three levels as well, showing off his masterful footwork on more than one occasion. He may not have converted on all of his shots, but he has no issues getting into them.

Fultz also showed some promise on the defensive end. He did as good a job as you’d expect from a 6-foot-4 point guard trying to body up Ben Simmons, showing great instincts and a level of commitment that wasn’t always there in college. Fultz said this offseason that he’s focused on becoming a better defender, and that held true Sunday afternoon.

With physical tools aplenty and a skill set that’s still more well-rounded than the likes of Lonzo Ball or Dennis Smith Jr., Fultz shouldn’t have too many issues holding onto his spot as the top prospect out of the 2017 class.

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His shot is a concern — and it’s not something to sweep under the proverbial rug — but it’s not something he can’t fix. The coaching staff will be working overtime to revert it back to it’s old form, and there’s still something familiar that they’re working towards. This isn’t the same as needing to completely rebuild a shot a la Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.