The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Markelle Fultz showing signs of progression

By Ethan Piechota

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 24: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks off the court prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at the Wells Fargo Center on February 24, 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 - FEBRUARY 24: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks off the court prior to the game against the Orlando Magic at the Wells Fargo Center on February 24, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Philadelphia 76ers rookie Markelle Fultz seemed unlikely to return to the court this NBA season just a few weeks ago, but recent videos of his shot have given fans hope.

On Jan. 2, 2018, Philadelphia 76ers rookie Markelle Fultz began the final stage of his rehab process, as he was cleared to participate in five-on-five action in team practice. The 19-year-old guard out of Washington seemed primed for a comeback after missing around 31 consecutive games due to left shoulder imbalance (and a broken jump shot).

Since that time, the Fultz situation has gotten even more secretive and shady. There has been no word from 76ers general manager Bryan Colangelo on a potential timetable for the rookie’s return, and 76ers fans have been left in the dark.

The optimism for a Fultz return this season had whittled down to little-to-none, especially after the Sixers acquired veteran wing Marco Belinelli in free agency this month.

As Fultz began participating more in practice mid-January, videos began surfacing that showcased Fultz still having the same hitch in his jump shot as before.

These videos only added fuel to the argument that the rookie would not touch the court again this season. The hitch is evident in Markelle’s set shot release shown in the above video. This is especially troublesome for not just this season, but for Fultz’s career as a whole. Comparing his shot now to his Washington days, there is an extremely noticeable difference in the aesthetic value of his release.

Fultz making strides

The most encouraging videos of Markelle Fultz shooting a basketball have surfaced this past week. There are still a number of questions regarding the rookie’s shooting ability, but the videos surfacing have shown extreme progression from Fultz.

This video here provides perhaps the most optimism in terms of Fultz’s shooting ability. The release looking extremely smooth is exciting. It’s something we haven’t seen for quite some time from Markelle. This kind of progression is a step in the right direction.

Must Read: Sixers v.s. Lakers as free agent destinations

One thing to note about every video of Fultz is that he has only shot the ball after performing a spin move into a fadeaway. Though this is nice to see, it signifies that Fultz is using the momentum from his spin move to disguise the hitch in his jumper. It’s hard to judge his true progression until we see Fultz shooting catch-and-shoot jumpers without the hitch. Nonetheless, these videos are still a step in the right direction.

Fultz will be fine

The Philadelphia 76ers drafted Markelle Fultz for a reason. You don’t see many 18-year-old’s averaging 23 points per game in the PAC-12 conference. Fultz has an uncanny scoring ability, and one that will fit perfectly into the 76ers offense.

The Sixers need a player right now that can create his own shot from the perimeter. If Fultz is able to retain his former scoring ability, all talks labeling him as a bust will seem silly in a few years.

Once again, Fultz’s situation will become a lot more clear in the coming weeks when he begins shooting catch-and-shoot jumpers. His ability to space the floor will be necessary when playing alongside Ben Simmons. When times get tough, the Philadelphia 76ers need someone that can score the ball from anywhere on the court.

Next: Sixers still need to be careful with Embiid's minutes

Fultz can be just that guy if he returns to first overall draft pick form. Only time will tell, but you must “Trust The Process” with the Markelle Fultz situation.