5 New Years resolutions for 2018 Philadelphia 76ers

5 of 6

TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 21: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on October 21, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Resolution IV – Markelle Fultz will win the starting job before season’s end (replacing either Redick/Saric/Bayless).

Guard Markelle Fultz has been invisible for the first third of his rookie NBA season. But that will soon change. Well, at least when he comes back from injury/rehab/magical mystery tour.

Markelle Fultz is back from Kentucky and with the Sixers. Brett Brown said his basketball activity was "minimal" on Wednesday. "We are just happy to have him back. I felt like I haven't seen him in a long time," Brown said.
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) December 6, 2017

While the mechanics of Markelle Fultz and the decision-making process behind his rehabilitation are a black box for now, the fact remains that he should return to the team in early 2018. That will change some things for the 76ers in a good way.

So far, the Philadelphia 76ers have gone radio silent on the rookie. While that may work in some cities, that is the worst strategy possible in Philadelphia. But updates or not, the only permanent fix for this angst is to get the rookie onto the basketball court and let him play.

So far, the roster is not so sync’d in that there is no opening for him. In fact, the moment he returns to the active list he will be in competition for starts. I suspect he will have two or three games where the optics will not flatter him. But after he strings along ten games or so, his instincts will kick in.