Philadelphia 76ers Markelle Fultz last piece to elite team play

4 of 8

BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 22: A close up view of the #1 draft pick for the Philadelphia 76ers Markelle Fultz’s card during the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Not a mirage, he’s Markelle

Let’s take a step back and refocus not on what we do not have, but what we do have.

Live Feed

3 Point Guard trade targets that could take the Spurs to the next level /

Air Alamo

Markelle Fultz is Orlando Magic's most overlooked player entering 2024 Orlando Magic Daily

Orlando Magic weren't a passing team, but they could be Orlando Magic Daily

Orlando Magic Playbook: Where the Orlando Magic go in the clutch Orlando Magic Daily

3 way-too-early trade deadline targets for the LA Clippers Clipperholics

Orlando Magic 2024 fantasy studs and duds (and question marks) Orlando Magic Daily

In the 2017 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers drafted Washington guard Markelle Fultz. That selection was not reactionary, nor was it about running with a pack of analysts who touted Fultz as the next great NBA player. The Philadelphia 76ers had three very tangible and distinct needs.

I – The player required versatility. Not only must he be able to run the floor, but play equally adept off-ball.
II – The player had to possess excellent shooting skills. He had to have an ability to penetrate to the basket, but possess an accurate perimeter shot.
III – The player needed very good and balanced overall skillsets. This player must not be so skewed in either offense or defense as to leave the other skills lacking.

So let’s see how the field stacks up?

Predraft measuring of prospects

So the true measure of prospects has to be taken from the predraft perspective, not now that the season is well underway. So let’s analyze the top candidates:

Lonzo Ball I – (C- ) II –  (A-) III – (B-)
De’Aaron Fox    I – (B-) II – (B) III – (A-)
Josh Jackson   I – (B+) II – (B-) III – (A)
Jayson Tatum   I – (B)   II – (B) III – (A)
Malik Monk   I – (B-) II – (A-) III – (B-)
Markelle Fultz   I – (A) II – (A+) III – (B-)

As far as “fit” for the Philadelphia 76ers needs, the projection of Markelle Fultz was nearly a bullseye in every category. The only area of “coaching up” projected was Fultz’s defense. But he played in a college scheme where defense was not emphasized. And at 19 years of age, those deficiencies were not a blemish on anyone’s scoring. But enough of “theory”, let’s put some of those discussions to paper.