Markelle Fultz made his return to the court on Monday after a lengthy absence while he recovered from a torn ACL. The young Magic point guard was greeted by a standing ovation from an eager Orlando crowd as he got his first moment of game action in over a full year, via NBATV.
Markelle Fultz receives a standing ovation in his first game back from a torn ACL 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Wt1sAd5Crn
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 1, 2022
Fultz checked into the Monday night game against the Indiana Pacers and was greeted with a firm hug from teammate Cole Anthony, as well as a loud standing ovation from Magic faithful.
The 23-year-old hasn't featured in a game for 13 months, having last played on Jan. 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He suffered the knee injury after logging just four minutes of court time in that game, and has been working his way back ever since.
He was limited to just eight games for the Magic last year, averaging 12.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. While Cole Anthony has impressed with Fultz on the sideline, the former No. 1 overall pick is back in the mix now and figures to grab hold of a role within Orlando's rotation.
He impressed in his first year in Orlando back in 2019-20 and earned himself a three-year, $50 million contract extension from the organization just prior to sustaining the ACL injury. Fultz is making $16.5 million this season and next, and will pocket $17 million in 2023-24.
Fultz will be focusing on getting back into a rhythm after having been away from the court for so long, but the reception he received from fans at the Amway Center on Monday should supply him with loads of motivation.
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