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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TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 21: Markelle Fultz
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 21: Markelle Fultz /

Well rounded skillsets

As Markelle Fultz retrains his shot for the NBA, there are other aspects of reinforcement too. He is getting a chance to ramp up his defense.  Instinctively, he possesses all the attributes of a solid NBA defender. On one hand, he has a 6-foot-10 wingspan. That reach allows him to become a formidable defender on the court.  On the other hand, he has some of the quickest hands in basketball.  Those hands allow him to block shots and snatch a quick steal in traffic.

Elite defender? No. But the potential is there. And like a committee of running backs, the change of pace between the patient shooting J.J. Redick to the aggressive energy of Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot to the lightning moves, pops, and shots of Markelle Fultz are tough transitions for the opposing team.  When he gets some games under him, Fultz will combine the skills of Redick’s shooting with TLC’s defense.  When that happens, he will earn a starting role.

No savior, but solid for year one

When will that happen? Let him get onto the basketball court first.  And once there, let him familiarize himself with his opponents, his coaches, and his teammates.   Great teams are great because they develop chemistry over time.  Adding Markelle Fultz to the Philadelphia 76ers roster will no way add an instant savior to this team. Right now, the scoring leaders are Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.   But there is a niche.  A player who can shoot from the perimeter, but who can break to the basket would take this team over the top.   Right now, no Philadelphia 76ers wing player has that burst move to the basket. They plant or they drive, but not from one to the other.

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Markelle Fultz puts defenders on their heels. No one can slow gate when a shooter has the ball who can quick-burst to the basket.  Ben Simmons has a quick move. Joel Embiid has deceptive speed. But the moves of a full speed Markelle Fultz is nearly impossible to defend one-on-one.  And adding defense to Fultz pulls defenders from other players.  Let the other team’s work their rookies into their roster.  But before fans of the Philadelphia 76ers pine for alternative realities, let’s think back to what got us here to this point.  Patience.  Markelle Fultz is the top pick of the 2017 NBA Draft for good reason. Fans owe it to him to wait the full season before judgement is handed down.