The Sixer Sense
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ESPN messes with a fragile Markelle Fultz situation

By Christopher Kline

WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 18: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during the 2017-18 regular season game against the Washington Wizards on October 18, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 18: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during the 2017-18 regular season game against the Washington Wizards on October 18, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Markelle Fultz isn’t happy with Brett Brown, and that should concern Philadelphia 76ers fans.

I don’t know what’s going on with Markelle Fultz. His shoulder might still be hurt, and he might have a mental block. Both could be true and neither could be true; there isn’t a concrete understanding of this situation. The Philadelphia 76ers haven’t exactly been transparent on the issue.

That’s what made Mark Jones‘ comments during the Sixers-Thunder broadcast on ESPN so interesting. While referencing a prior conversation with Brett Brown, he mentioned “psychosomatic” issues that Fultz appeared to be dealing with. Whether or not he meant that as a direct quote from Brown was unclear, but Fultz didn’t take it well. Brown didn’t either.

Here’s the full quote from Jones:

"“Brett Brown was telling us prior to the game tonight, prior to tip, that he speaks with Fultz, he works with Fultz and there seems to be some psychosomatic issues involved with getting over the hump and getting back on the court. Brown says he continues to improve and he would expect that he would play at some point this year”More from Sixers News3 Sixers players who could help Team USA Basketball76ers 2k24 ratings: 3 most underrated players on Philadelphia roster76ers head coach Nick Nurse bares lofty plans for Paul Reed this seasonGrade the Trade: 76ers swap Tobias Harris for superstar PG in mock dealBreaking Down Bombshell Report on Sixers Star James Harden"

Jones would later apologize, saying the diction was his choice and not a comment from Brown. It was a poorly worded statement, so it’s easy to see where the confusion — right or wrong — might have come from.

The primary concern here is Fultz’s relationship with his coach. If this causes any rift between him and Brown, that could become a serious issue for the Sixers. There are already questions about his confidence, so losing trust in his primary mentor isn’t great for his development moving forward.

Fultz is plenty talented and his jumper is still redeemable. Regardless of what’s causing these issues, he’s an important part of the Sixers’ future and somebody who could launch them to the next competitive level down the line. It’s important that he understands that.

Brown heavily criticized the reporting, calling it “erroneous” and defending Fultz’s mental state. Hopefully this is a brief scare that dissolves quickly, but any lingering discontent on Fultz’s end could pose significant problems.

Also, please don’t break out that “he shouldn’t be paying attention to the media!” take. It’s 2018 and the game was on ESPN, with that comment circulating all over social media. He’s going to see it, and if he thinks his coach said that, he’s right to be upset. It’s up to Brown to rekindle that relationship and point out questionable reporting.

I don’t think we should blow this issue out of proportion either. I think this comes down to poor wording more than anything else, so blasting Jones is unnecessary. There wasn’t any malicous intent.

Next: Does Pistons-Clippers deal affect Sixers?

We’ll see how this plays out long term.