The Sixer Sense
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5 keys to Philadelphia 76ers final PS game versus Miami Heat

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 04: Robert Covington #33, Ben Simmons #25, and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers play against the Memphis Grizzlies during the preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center on October 4, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 04: Robert Covington #33, Ben Simmons #25, and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers play against the Memphis Grizzlies during the preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center on October 4, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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CAMDEN, NJ – SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers 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. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ – SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers 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. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

V.  Will Markelle Fultz play?

The nagging question now is that of Markelle Fultz’s status. We know he has shoulder pain described as “off and on”.

We know he has right knee soreness too.


The season is nearly here. Should the Philadelphia 76ers slow the development track of Markelle Fultz?

Slow down the rookie parade, for now

I think they must. Forcing the young man into the heat of starting NBA games with soreness, newness, and novelty will be a huge detriment.  Right now, the team has plenty of issues to sort through as a team. Allowing Fultz the opportunity to heal and ease into NBA playing minutes would be wise at this juncture.

The Miami Heat game could be a great forum for some limited minutes.  In short, get Fultz out there to avoid any type of stage fright when the season starts.  But don’t look for a 30 point outburst from the young man.  So mahy are already lining up to call him a bust.

Fultz is already being named “bust”?

Foolish folks. Markelle Fultz in 19 years old and is playing in the NBA for the first time.  Because so much will be expected from him in terms of versatility and scheming, he will start off slow.   He hasn’t had years on the bench to prepare for his debut. Nor does he have the benefit of a team planning to run the entire offense through him. He must adapt to fit this team’s scheme, and it will take some time to transition.

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He will be a perfect component to the Philadelphia 76ers small ball roster as Coach Brown feels the opportunity to go with that.

But for the Heat game, watch if he plays, when he plays, how long he plays.  Markelle Fultz is taking names of naysayers, yes.  But proving them wrong may require some patience. He needs to be healed first.