The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Sixers going all-in on young core

By Ben Wieland

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) /
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MIAMI, FL – APRIL 21: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on April 21, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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 Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – APRIL 21: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on April 21, 2018 in Miami, Florida. 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 Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Markelle Fultz

Of all three Sixers superstars, Markelle Fultz was the most sure thing coming into the season. Fans thought Embiid might never be healthy enough to touch the court. Fans thought Ben Simmons’ passing wouldn’t translate and he’d be reduced to a shorter version of Joakim Noah. Markelle was supposed to be a traditional star guard.

He has been anything but.

The recounting of the Markelle Fultz story has become a bit of a folk tale over the last few months. No one — except Eric Jr. — knows what really happened, if Fultz hurt his shoulder, if Fultz had the yips, if the team sat a healthy Fultz…

But at this point, I’m not sure if anyone should care. Sure, it was quite the rocky start to Markelle’s career. But all indications from Fultz’s teammates, from trainer Drew Hanlen, from Fultz himself are that Fultz will be taking his revenge tour around the NBA next season at full strength.

Markelle showed flashes in the few games he played for the Sixers, even setting the record for the youngest player to ever get a triple-double. He did it all without a jumper. When — not if — Fultz figures out how to shoot, the possibilities become endless.

At worst, Markelle is Kemba Walker. At best, he’s some blend of James Harden and Dwyane Wade. A Fultz closer to the latter scenario is the one Philadelphia is going to need to become king in the East.

Improvements Needed:

  • Three-point shooting range
  • Some more muscle
  • Consistent defensive attentiveness
  • Confidence