The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Markelle Fultz last piece to elite team play

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: The Philadelphia 76ers host a post draft press conference announcing new players Anzejs Pasecniks, Markelle Fultz, Jonah Bolden and Mathias Lessort at the Sixers Training Complex on June 23, 2017 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)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 23: The Philadelphia 76ers host a post draft press conference announcing new players Anzejs Pasecniks, Markelle Fultz, Jonah Bolden and Mathias Lessort at the Sixers Training Complex on June 23, 2017 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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BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 09: Head Coach Brett Brown talks with Markelle Fultz
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 09: Head Coach Brett Brown talks with Markelle Fultz /

Don’t discount Markelle Fultz’s shooting

The arsenal Markelle Fultz brings to the basketball court should not be taken lightly. Yes, he’s working on mechanics. Yes he’s not playing right now. But the Philadelphia 76ers sat Nerlens Noel for a year, Joel Embiid for two years, Ben Simmons for a year. Now, Markelle Fultz is out for several weeks and the label “bust” is beginning to show up in social media.  That is the same label tossed at Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons in past seasons.

Markelle Fultz is new to the NBA. So comparing him to the likes of established players is an injustice to both him and the NBA. He has not proven himself on the basketball court yet.  But similarly, the rookie version of most NBA players is not the players performing today.  James Harden averaged 9.9 points per game. Devin Booker averaged 13.1 points per game. Lou Williams, starting shooting guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, scores an average of 18.9 points per game now, but just 1.9 points per game in his rookie season in Philadelphia.

In the end, you don’t lose the instincts of how and when to shoot. You may forget the mechanics of shooting successfully, but the subconscious state knows how to process the pieces. Markelle Fultz will regain his shot.

The art form of the NBA Draft

Some argue hands-on-hips that the NBA Draft is all statistical analysis, numbers, mechanics,and predictable outcomes. Other argue that its all about impressions, work ethic, strength of handshake and length of eye contact.

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    • In the end, it’s neither and both.  Each NBA prospect joining their new team wants to succeed. Each NBA team wants their players to succeed. But some do and some do not.  Part of the answer is the team’s pecking order.  A prospect on a playoff-caliber team will seldom be shown an opportunity for a starting role with the team.  Too often, that team already has significant production from a veteran player who starts. So the rookie must pick up minutes off the bench. Less minutes equals longer time to develop.

    But there is a counter argument. Playing through bad habits on the court do not improve play. The Los Angeles Lakers have turned over the keys to rookie PG Lonzo Ball.  Ball has scored as many as 29 points in a game.  He has also scored as few as two points in a game.  He must play through, despite shooting accuracy which is disturbingly weak.

    No player arrives to the NBA a complete package. Each player eventually hits a wall of some sort, one that will take the right type of coaching to overcome.  Right now, the Philadelphia 76ers coaching staff are one of the best groups at developing young talent. And right now, Markelle Fultz is their number one priority.