Philadelphia 76ers: Markelle Fultz offers insight on his recovery and shooting form
Markelle Fultz is primed for a much stronger second season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Philadelphia 76ers surprised many last season, winning 52 games and advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Expectations are getting higher, though, and the Boston Celtics are their primary rivals.
Without any significant roster changes, the Sixers’ personnel doesn’t stack up to Boston’s on paper. If Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons take another step forward, though, the Sixers have the raw talent to compete.
Add in a healthy Markelle Fultz, and the Sixers have a more-than-slim chance to topple the budding Celtics juggernaut. Whether or not we get a healthy Fultz, of course, is yet to be seen.
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After a long summer filled with countless workouts and approximately 150,000 shots, Fultz seems ready to take the next step in his development. He’s confident, willing to shoot, and doesn’t have any lingering physical ailments.
In a recent interview with Stadium’s Jeff Goodman, Fultz gave some valuable insight on his summer, the injury that hindered him, and what fans can expect moving forward. This is our clearest view yet of Fultz’s mindset and what exactly happened.
You can see the full video here.
"“This offseason was grinding all summer, probably one of the most hardest working summers I’ve had, just trying to overcome everything that happened last year.”"
Fultz also emphasized that his shooting woes were the product of a shoulder injury, not intentional changes to his shot. That would line up with the ‘scapular muscle imbalance’ diagnosis, which limits the functionality of certain muscles.
"“I had to re-learn how to shoot the right way.”"
Simply put, his injury forced him to alter his mechanics to compensate for pain or whatever else was limiting his range of motion. After shooting like that for an extended period of time, it’s about breaking bad habits and re-training his muscles to shoot properly.
Now, after working with Draw Hanlen all summer, Fultz is happy with where his shot is.
"“I think [my jumper] is better than how I had it in college. You know, in college, it still had some flaws to it, but right now, I feel very comfortable with where I’m going. It’s not 100 percent, but I’m still working every day.”"
Fultz went on to tell fans what they should expect in his second NBA season.
"“You’re gonna have a guard who doesn’t take anything for granted because [he’s] been through something; a guy who’s going to play on both ends of the floor, a guy who’s going to showcase his talent, you know. Show why he was the No. 1 pick, shooting, everything. So it’s going to be a great year.”"
Throughout the interview, Fultz talked about using his unique situation as motivation. He views himself as someone who’s constantly doubted, going back to when he was cut from the varsity team at DeMatha High School.
He’s using the doubters as motivation, while also noting that Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell‘s success fueled his fire.
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As for where he’s at both physically and mentally, Fultz gave a range: 80-90 percent. He has off days, but is on track to contribute at a high level next season. He seems motivated to prove his worth as a former top pick.