5 ways Philadelphia 76ers Markelle Fultz impacts Boston series

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 6: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on April 6, 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) *** Local Caption *** LeBron James;Markelle Fultz /

Impact V – Place defensive pressure upon the Celtics

Much like the masked presence of Embiid, Markelle Fultz adds a new dimension to the Philadelphia 76ers defense. With Embiid at the basket, wings handline the perimeter, Fultz has that remarkable ability to stick in the ball-handler’s back pocket and force turnovers or fast hand block shots as the shot begins to develop.

Markelle Fultz is not in the Celtics plans. Whatever he does, will come honestly. These Celtics are seasoned at NBA Playoffs. And so, their priorities to disrupt the Sixers come in this order:

Center Joel Embiid
Point Guard Ben Simmons
Shooting Guard J.J. Redick

But the Philadelphia 76ers boast the top pick of the 2017 NBA Draft in Markelle Fultz. While he may or may not make a true impact on the scoreboard, you can bet if given the chance he will disrupt the Celtics second lineup. His draw against the Heat was Wade, Father Prime. He will not find the Celtics opponent nearly as lauded nor as gifted.

Next: Roundtable: Second round analysis and predictions

In the end, it’s easy to believe that the Miami Heat version of Markelle Fultz is the final version in the NBA Playoffs. He’s not. He is a truly gifted player who will find a way, any way, to help his team win. The memory of the NBA only lasts as long as the last series in the NBA Playoffs. While virtually everyone ignores the upside of Markelle Fultz for the Sixers against Boston, I cannot. I saw him play in Washington. He is a gifted young man. Defense, offense, or facilitator. By the end of this playoff series, many may see the same high upside young man I do.