The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 notes after the Sixers’ loss to Boston, 0-2 start

By Christopher Kline

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 18: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 18, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 18: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 18, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 20: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers arrives before the game against the Boston Celtics on October 20, 2017 at Wells Fargo Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 20: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers arrives before the game against the Boston Celtics on October 20, 2017 at Wells Fargo Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Markelle Fultz will take time

Fultz wasn’t as productive in his second game as he was in his first, dropping just six points and three assists on a meager 2-9 shooting. He had his shot blocked on multiple occasions in the lane, and still doesn’t have a grasp on his timing at the NBA level.

These struggles were expected to some extent — especially after his not-so-great preseason run. He’s still devoid of confidence in his jumper, and spinning into blocked shots or getting engulfed in traffic won’t boost the spirits of a 19-year-old who entered the league with such high expectations.

More from Sixers News

That doesn’t mean he hasn’t shown some good signs. His vision as a passer, especially when coming around screens and getting into the lane, remains a serious weapon. He’s a highly advanced passer with excellent feel for his age, and that has showed on a handful of plays thus far. One play in particular — where he spun to the rim before making the dish to a cutting Embiid — was his best highlight in Friday night’s loss.

His defense isn’t there either, but there’s reason to buy stock in his potential . With the effort and physical tools in place, in now comes down to making smart plays on the ball and staying engaged off of it. He had a few bad fouls against Boston, and those are the kinds of rookie mistakes that should dissipate with more experience.

It wasn’t a pretty game for Fultz, but he’s going to be one heck of a player once he figures it all out. We just need to wait for that to happen.