When the Boston Celtics agreed to trade the top overall pick to the Philadelphia 76ers, a lot of people wondered why they opted to pass up on adding Markelle Fultz to their lineup. He is a talented guard who showcased his all-around brilliance last season with the Washington Huskies, and is also the consensus number one selection.
Reports were made that the C’s were not convinced that he is a winner, as even if he had a good season individually, his team failed to make the NCAA Tournament and only had a 9-22 record to show. Now, another reason has surfaced on why Danny Ainge and company decided to let the Sixers have him instead.
The Celtics' overflowing backcourt also factored into their decision to pass on Fultz, sources say.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) June 18, 2017
The said factor may not be easy to accept for Fultz as he has the ability to play both guard positions, but the Celtics already have Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart, and Terry Rozier in their backcourt, who have all proven that they can also play either the one or two position. The team’s obvious need is more depth at the forward spots, and a player who can rebound the ball effectively, which makes sense for them to draft Josh Jackson.
It’s not all bad news for Fultz though, as the 76ers gave up future picks in order to make sure they will be able to add him to their fold. He will have the opportunity to shine in Philadelphia that Boston cannot promise given their guard depth. Fultz may also treat the development as extra motivation to prove the Celtics wrong.
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