The Sixer Sense
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Markelle Fultz vs. the Philadelphia 76ers

By Rory Fette

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 2: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on from the bench during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 2, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 2: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on from the bench during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 2, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers need to come back down to earth, rip the band aid off, and play their rookie.

Another day, another phone camera video of Markelle Fultz shooting a jump shot. This inevitable  pattern has gone on for an absurd amount of time and it doesn’t look like it’s going to stop.

Writers and experts everywhere have taken their shot at trying to explain this situation. But as we stand today, the Fultz story is just as confusing now as it was back in October. It really doesn’t make sense what the Philadelphia 76ers are doing with him.

So anyway, here’s yet another piece about the story of the year, Markelle Fultz. The subtopics are going to be the same as every other Fultz article written this year. However, in this article imagine me as Fultz’s lawyer defending him from the wrath that the 76ers organization has placed upon him.

(NOTE: in no way am I saying that Markelle should sue the 76ers. This is a theoretical, not real courtroom)

 CASE 1: “We’re protecting Markelle’s head/psychological health”

Whether you want to admit this or not, your franchise has demoralized this poor kid with the way that the situation has been handled. In the beginning of the year you threw him out on the court with a busted jump shot and showcased his failures.

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Then to “protect” Markelle, you decided that he shouldn’t play anymore and without any explanation, hid him from all media. Not only was this extremely suspicious, it really was just kinda mean. You made this guy look really bad and then didn’t let him improve his reputation.

Before the season started everyone knew his jump shot was broken. Yet you inexplicably let him play for four whole games before shutting him down. Simply, it seems to me that the you were trying to embarrass him.

 CASE 2: “Markelle is injured”

Your Honor, he’s healthy now. Look at him. Next.

CASE 3a: “We can’t bring him back now, it will mess up our rotation”

If Markelle Fultz is who the you say he is, how can an athletic 6-5 guard hurt a rotation. How does the guy that you drafted No. 1 overall for fit purposes all of sudden not fit in.

Even without the now pretty smooth-looking jump shot, Markelle could be a scorer coming off the bench. And if I am not mistaken, that is something your team has been looking for.  In Markelle’s four embarrassing games he averaged six points per game. Which by the way, that is still more than what Amir Johnson and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot average.

The possibility of Markelle living up to his former status is something he deserves. It is also something that could be beneficial to your team! Play him, he might suck, he might be great. It’s always better to rip off the band aid instead of slowly peeling it off.

Maybe, Markelle should be thought of as a player that has just bought out his contract. It worked for Ersan and Marco and they haven’t seemed to “mess up” the rotation.

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CASE 3b: “We can’t bring him back now, it will mess up our playoff chances”

Now I know it is exciting that your team is good now. But are the 76ers winning the championship this year? The answer is no. Having a “win now” approach and ignoring Markelle’s development could be a dangerous game.

Here is a side note too, in a seven game series, a completely un-scoutable player could really be an advantage. Literally, NO ONE knows what he can do, so the other team can’t prepare for him. Just a thought for you guys for when the playoffs come around.

Also once again, if you put him out there and he sucks, fine. It is better that you know that now then to delay knowing that for another year or so.

Closing Statement:

My client Markelle Fultz deserves a shot a play. After what this organization has put him through, he at least should be able to show that he can help his team. The Philadelphia 76ers drafted Markelle with the thought that he could complete what the team needs. So let him play him, see what happens.

Next: How far can the Sixers go in the playoffs? (mailbag)

Are we now doubting the process instead of trusting it?