1. Markelle Fultz
Markelle Fultz may be the biggest x-factor in the entire Eastern Conference. If Fultz returns to action with a shot similar to his college days, the Sixers become even more dangerous.
The mystery of Fultz’s rookie season may not be revealed for some time, but he still showed us how gifted he is. Fultz displayed unselfishness with the ball, and a knack for finishing at the basket. Teams knew he wasn’t shooting past 12 feet, and he still went wherever he wanted on the floor.
Fultz was drafted with projections as a high-level scorer. A three-point shot would put him right where he needs to be as a weapon alongside Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. The Sixers desperately lack individual creation, and Markelle Fultz fits the bill perfectly.
Basketball trainer extraordinaire Drew Hanlen recently said “if he’s back to 100 percent, I think he’s immediately an All-Star.” That’s strong praise from one of the best workout gurus in the NBA.
Markelle Fultz turning into a deadly scorer would put the Sixers in surefire Eastern Conference contention. Fultz is the piece that could take them over the top and be the deciding factor in a series versus Toronto or Boston. If he’s shooting like he did at Washington, it’s not out of the question for Fultz to bloom into an 18 point per game scorer.
Markelle Fultz could be a star. He is without question the Sixers most viable and most valuable breakout candidate.