The Sixer Sense
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Markelle Fultz shouldn’t feel any pressure when he returns

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA,PA - NOVEMBER 25: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers works out before the game against the Orlando Magic at Wells Fargo Center on November 25, 2017 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - NOVEMBER 25: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers works out before the game against the Orlando Magic at Wells Fargo Center on November 25, 2017 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Markelle Fultz and the Philadelphia 76ers aren’t in any hurry.

At this point, it’s fair to have some concerns over Markelle Fultz’s jumper. Even though the Philadelphia 76ers have put it on display in practice, there are some questionable hitches in his shot that we never saw at Washington.

And, while I’m still confident in Fultz long term, his immediate production may not live up to the standards set by most No. 1 picks. He’s also a point guard, so that makes learning the NBA game and adjusting even more difficult.

With that said, a lot of this comes down to confidence more than mechanics. Fultz was always a capable shot-maker, whether it be in high school or at Washington, where he shot upwards of 41 percent from deep. He just needs to get over whatever mental (and physical) block he had earlier in the season.

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Even if his shots aren’t falling, Fultz needs to be shooting as soon as he returns — which could be soon. He needs to get used to getting shots up in an NBA game and try to find some of the rhythm he so innately showed at the collegiate level.

He, and the Sixers, aren’t in any hurry either. There’s always going to be pressure with Philly fans nitpicking his shot into oblivion, but there shouldn’t be. Part of that’s on him, and part of that is on us as fans. We have time, so give ‘Kelle some patience.

As of right now, the Sixers are on the edge of playoff contention. Fultz helps in theory, but I doubt he’s producing consistently enough to make a significant (and positive) impact in year one. Not after everything he has gone through this season.

There are some potential trades and possibly even free agent targets that can fill some of Philly’s rotational voids, but they can make the playoffs without Fultz. If Joel Embiid is healthy and Ben Simmons continues to show growth, that’s not an issue.

And, with the future in mind, making the playoffs this season isn’t a huge issue either. I’m not sure how it’d affect J.J. Redick‘s decision in free agency, but he’s almost 34. The Sixers are still the second youngest team in the league, and they can afford to give Fultz time to develop and regain confidence in his shot.

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All of this boils down to one simple point: Don’t put too much pressure on Fultz. He shouldn’t need to feel pressure because there isn’t any. The Sixers have been playing the long game for years, and Fultz has plenty of time to work through his issues and become the high-end talent he’s capable of becoming.