The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers need Markelle Fultz’s defense now

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 15: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers practices his foul shot prior to the game against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on January 15, 2018 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 15: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers practices his foul shot prior to the game against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on January 15, 2018 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – JANUARY 28: Russell Westbrook
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – JANUARY 28: Russell Westbrook /

The Achilles heel for this team

But there are some vulnerabilities too.  This team has a weakness against quick-footed shooters, and has for some time. At times, the Sixers get some stout defense from J.J. Redick, at times the defense of Robert Covington stands out. There have even been moments of flash from Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot.

But come crunch time, the team needs a player who can be a show-stopper on defense. A player who can take out the other team’s best player.  In theory, that role will fall to Markelle Fultz. Someday.

Moment of truth is coming

But the moment will come sooner than later.  As the fans await the team’s sign off on the top prospect of the 2017 NBA Draft, all eyes turn towards that shot. But for the record, I don’t think it’s that shot which is keeping the young Markelle Fultz off the court now.

I believe that the team has simply had so much success holding Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons on the bench, that the team is simply going at that same method one more time.  So when Markelle Fultz arrives, he is not a free-lance shot specialist, but rather a Brett Brown two-way threat on the basketball court. A disciplined, confident young man who still has plenty of NBA to learn, but is assured he will take each lesson in stride.