Philadelphia 76ers: Starting Markelle Fultz is the right move long term

The risk is worth the reward when it comes to the Philadelphia 76ers starting Markelle Fultz.

*Puts ‘Boys Are Back In Town’ on repeat* BASKETBALL IS BACK, FOLKS. The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Boston Celtics at 8 PM E.T. in the first game of the regular season. TNT and NBC Sports Philadelphia will broadcast the game.

That will be our first look at Markelle Fultz‘s revamped jumper (or lack thereof) in the regular season. He’s officially the team’s starting two-guard, moving J.J. Redick to the bench and throwing the 20-year-old directly into the TD Garden fire.

There are valid concerns with starting Fultz, especially in Boston. We know the Jayson Tatum connection and the crowd will be thorough and unforgiving in their anti-Fultz chants. For someone who’s trying to regain confidence, Boston isn’t the best place to do it.

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With that said, Fultz needs to be in the starting five. He’s too important to the Sixers’ future and, at some point, he needs the reps in high-pressure situations. Philadelphia won’t reach their ceiling without a healthy and productive Fultz.

Brett Brown had his hands tied against the Celtics in the playoffs. With Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and T.J. McConnell being the Sixers’ only reliable ball handlers, the defense was able to key in on their weaknesses and slow down the offense.

If the Sixers want to topple Boston in the East, it will take more than Embiid and Simmons performing at a high level. There needs to be more dynamism in the offense, and that’s exactly what Fultz provides.

According to BBall Index’s offensive talent grades, Fultz grades out as an A- in the playmaking category. Inserting another elite passer who can get dribble penetration, break down the defense and create for others will help the Sixers in the long run.

He’s also a B+ perimeter defender, adding another long, athletic frame to the starting five. Against versatile teams like the Celtics, his 6-foot-10 wingspan and ability to switch on the perimeter is invaluable.

Fultz’s jumper — especially from three-point range — will be a work in progress. The chemistry between Fultz and Simmons needs time to evolve as they learn one another’s strengths and tendencies.

The only way for that chemistry to develop is to get them on the floor together. By all indications, Brown will lean more heavily on Redick late in games. Starting Fultz and letting him close games aren’t the same thing, and Brown can make adjustments depending on game flow and individual performances.

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As a former No. 1 pick, Fultz is talented enough to single-handedly raise the Sixers’ optimal outcome. It will take time for him to get to that level, but investing in his development is an important step in getting there. He needs to start.