The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers 2017-18 season report cards

By Rusty Gorelick

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 7: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 at 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 7: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 at 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 03: Philadelphia 76ers Guard Markelle Fultz (20) drives against Brooklyn Nets Forward DeMarre Carroll (9) in the first half during the game between the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers on April 03, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 03: Philadelphia 76ers Guard Markelle Fultz (20) drives against Brooklyn Nets Forward DeMarre Carroll (9) in the first half during the game between the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers on April 03, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Markelle Fultz

Season stats: 7.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.3 blocks, 40.5% FG, 0% 3PT, 47.6% FT

Grade: F/Incomplete

With all the conflicting reports surrounding the Markelle Fultz fiasco, the narrative has begun to resemble a Choose Your Own Adventure novel more than a basketball storyline. With that in mind, read the two most common opinions of the situation, choose the one you believe, and then you will find the grade Fultz should have earned for his disappointing rookie year.

Option A: Markelle Fultz simply forgot how to shoot between Summer League and training camp. The shoulder story was a smokescreen, and he had no right to let someone outside of the organization mess with his shot, and this whole thing is entirely his own fault.

Option B: Markelle Fultz probably hurt his shoulder between Summer League and training camp, but he altered his shot so he could continue playing without bothering his shoulder. That backfired, and he lost his jumper. As a result of the ensuing speculation, he became anxious and/or depressed, thus stalling his development. It’s not his fault: he was merely too eager and wanted to impress the Sixers coaches, just as any 19-year-old kid would want to do.

If you follow option A, that leads to Markelle Fultz earning an F for his rookie season. If you follow option B, then Fultz receives an incomplete grade. Too many conflicting stories have circled around to know what really happened, and with the opacity of the Philadelphia 76ers’ front office, nothing regarding injuries is ever certain, hence the fact that Fultz earns two grades here.