You rarely see No. 1 overall picks in the draft turn out to be legitimate busts, but that is what the Philadelphia 76ers got in Markelle Fultz. While he was the consensus top pick back in 2017, injuries completely deprived him of the opportunity to show his full package of basketball gifts. That has basically been the story of his career.
Fortunately for the former 76ers guard, he managed to receive a new lifeline to revive his otherwise dead career. The Toronto Raptors reportedly inked Fultz to a 10-day deal, giving him another opportunity that he can still move the needle in some way for another ball club. Even better, he is on a team that is currently in the playoff picture.
Fultz last appeared in the NBA last season, when he suited up for the Kings for 21 outings. The difference this time is he will have something meaningful to play for, and with the Raptors in need of depth at point guard, this is an optimal situation for him.
Former 76ers top pick Markelle Fultz gets another chance to stay in the NBA
Fultz was never able to regain his offensive form from college which allowed him to be the indisputed best prospect from his draft class, but he has found a way to remain effective. The problem with him has been staying on the floor to actually be a factor, as injuries remain his Achilles’ heel even when he left Philly.
He is only less than a couple of years removed from being a viable rotation player for a competitive squad when he was still in Orlando. There, he made his presence felt as a ball handler who can be a pest on the defensive end. Unfortunately, the other guards on the roster made him dispensable, especially due to his recurring absences.
Hopefully, Fultz can find a way to make this initially transitory opportunity last. The Raptors have a spot for him to be in their active loop, and if he can make his minutes count, he should have a decent shot at staying on their roster well into the playoffs and possibly moving forward.
76ers fans certainly do not have fond memories of Fultz’s stint in Philly given what had unfolded, but given his unrealized potential, it would be pleasant to see him get a real shot at regaining his glory, even in his own little way.