Much has already been made about Orlando Magic point guard Markelle Fultz in his young NBA career.
The former No. 1 overall pick was supposed to be a crucial figure in helping to enhance “The Process” with the Philadelphia 76ers. Instead, Fultz struggled to stay healthy and find confidence in his game.
But Fultz has found new life after the Sixers traded him to the Magic last February. Fultz has earned the starting point guard spot for Steve Clifford's team, averaging 11.7 points, 4.9 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 28 minutes per game.
The Magic banked on Fultz's upside. Now, players and coaches around the league are taking notice. Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey called the move a “steal” for the Magic, adding they did well to “get him at the right time.”
.@DetroitPistons coach Dwane Casey on the @OrlandoMagic trading for PG Markelle Fultz a little more than a year ago just before the 2019 NBA trade deadline: "That was a steal for the Magic organization to get ahold of him and get him at the right time."
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) February 12, 2020
Casey also elaborated on Fultz's skills, citing his athleticism and a growing confidence in his jumper:
.@DetroitPistons coach Dwane Casey on Markelle Fultz, whom he referred to as "a steal" for @OrlandoMagic : "I see a developed young man. I see him bouncing people around, hitting people & feeling confident about his shot, which is great to see & I’m just happy for him as a kid."
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) February 12, 2020
Indeed, Fultz has made a number of spectacular plays on both ends of the floor this year, and he can go from coast to coast in the blink of an eye.
There are still concerns. Although Fultz is averaging a career-high 1.8 three-point attempts per game, he is converting on less than 27 percent of those chances.
Nevertheless, the former Washington Huskies star has been more assertive in getting into his comfort zone in the mid-range game, and he can finish over bigger defenders.
Fultz is off to a good start in February, averaging 11.8 points and 6.8 assists while also boasting a .594 true shooting percentage, per Basketball Reference.
Most importantly, Fultz has been healthy. Considering this is his first full season in the NBA, he should continue to grow into this new role with the Magic.
Follow Us
Subscribe