The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers Markelle Fultz. Why now? Why not?

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers will play Markelle Fultz in his first game since October 23, 2018. With just 10 games remaining, don’t ask why now? Ask why not?

The will he or won’t he play drama over Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Markelle Fultz has finally resolved. Will he? Yes. When will he? March 26, 2018, 68 games since his last appearance on October 23, 2017. Why now? Well, why not?

We’re not surprised with this announcement. In fact, we expected this news before it ever happened. The clues were pointing overwhelmingly in this direction.  The team did not make any moves at the trade deadline. That was in spite of bench play that truly needed some front office attention to improve.  So there were limited explanations.

Saw the signs

But all reasoning kept coming back to point at Markelle Fultz’s return. The team needs help off the bench, and has clinched a playoff spot. As important as home court advantage is to the Philadelphia 76ers, that pales in comparison to getting the top-pick of the 2017 NBA Draft onto the court in time for the 2018 NBA Playoffs.

In the next ten games, the team can ease Fultz into the rotation.  So many things can be hammered out over the next ten games: Which lineup combination does he gel with? Can he manufacture shots? How much playing time can the team nudge out of him? And by returning to face the Denver Nuggets, he will enjoy the friendly fans of Philadelphia rooting him on.

Markelle Fultz opens a new chapter to the play book

It won’t happen all at once. Markelle Fultz is new to the basketball court, or newly returned. So the expectations of how much razzle-dazzle he brings in the first couple of games should be set to low.

The first game or two will be all about getting Fultz comfortable. Don’t look for a 20 point game from Fultz from the get-go. That’s not what this is about. If it happens, great. What Fultz can deliver is the ability to generate points from the bench for now.  How many? What shots? How well can he drive? What’s his defense level?  The team is looking for NBA Playoff contributors, and that is what the team is hoping to find tonight and in the day’s to come.

Resting Redick

The presence of an active Markelle Fultz on the roster will allow the team to mete out fewer minutes to J.J. Redick. Right now, Redick is averaging 30.4 minutes per game. Now that Fultz has worked his way back, the load on Reddick is far less.

And that can mean a huge difference when the NBA Playoffs arrive. At the top level, the addition of Fultz will give the Philadelphia 76ers far more flexibility with the roster. Fultz can deliver at either back court position.

Next: Is Joel Embiid taking too many 3s?

What he produces both offensively and defensively is all gravy today. Could that be significant? Yes it could. But the Philadelphia 76ers have clinched their post-season slot. Now, they have ten games to get their roster up to NBA Playoff caliber. Markelle Fultz is a huge step in the right direction.