The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 reasons Philadelphia 76ers defeat Miami Heat in round one

Bret Stuter|
PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 26 : T.J. McConnell #12 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walk off the court during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center on March 26, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 26 : T.J. McConnell #12 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walk off the court during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center on March 26, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 11: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after getting his first career triple double against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 11, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

III. Markelle Fultz

Markelle Fultz’s return to the Philadelphia 76ers was the optimal timing for a significant NBA Playoff impact. Why? Fultz is the top 2017 NBA prospect in the 2017 NBA Draft.  While other rookie players landed on teams with immediate needs for starting minutes, the Philadelphia 76ers had the benefit of not needing immediate contribution from Fultz. With a season nearly lost on the bench, that proved to be quite fortuitous.

Out of sight, out of mind is the standard in the NBA. With Fultz rehabbing, the NBA moved on and did not pause to consider the  absence of one of the future stars of the sport. Bad Decision. Whatever the cause of absence, Markelle Fultz is on the basketball court now, and he landed a triple double in the season finale. He is now the youngest NBA player to ever post a triple double. And he’s just getting started.

Wiley Sixers

Markelle Fultz played in the last ten games of the NBA season. And as expected, he has demonstrated significant defensive presence. (76ers section starts at 41:58) Fultz is every bit the talent level expected at the top draft pick.  So far, he’s eased into the NBA at a very comfortable and confidence building pace.  Almost lulling the NBA with a very vanilla presence, albeit a very good vanilla, Markelle Futlz has yet to deliver his three-point shot.  Did that accurate trey shot disappear in the NBA?

Not likely. He has that shot. And I expect it will be pulled out of the mothballs. Fultz will likely play as one of the first players off the bench. And as I projected before he returned, Fultz is emerging as a secret weapon in the NBA Playoffs. And the presumption that Markelle Fultz’s value has somehow diminished is a mirage.