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Well, how do you even begin to describe this situation the Philadelphia 76ers are facing? The issue with Markelle Fultz and his shoulder is indeed a saga – a strange one for the Sixers, we might add.
Let's have a quick summary in case you aren't caught up: Fultz, the Sixers' number one pick in last year's draft, a guy they traded up for in exchange for a pair of first-round picks, has been out since October 25th with a shoulder injury. It's unlike most of its kind, as the rookie is now healthy, but he still can't properly do the most important thing when you are a basketball player: shoot the ball. Keep in mind that this isn't about accuracy, Markelle Fultz has somehow lost his stroke.
He began showing signs of the struggle in the season-opener against the Washington Wizards. Now, even with the rehab and continued work, it still looks like this:
https://twitter.com/SLAMonline/status/952611862650212352
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There's a whole bunch of intriguing story lines this season, but this should rank as one of the most captivating. Even Sixers head coach Brett Brown, who's been a coach for 35 years, is puzzled. Jon Johnson, a Sixers insider, shared Brown's most recent comment on the story:
“I’m old, & I’ve never experienced anything like this.” -Brett Brown on Markelle Fultz saga.
— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) January 15, 2018
Don't get Brown wrong, though. He's still supportive of his prized rookie, and considering the bizarre situation, his hint of frustration is warranted. Here are his thoughts on Fultz's progress, via Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com:
“I feel like there’s progress”
“Watching him get some shots up, letting him compete, try to stay down and guard, I thought that there was progress today.”
Fultz has only appeared in four games this season. He has averages of 6.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on 19 minutes of play in that span.
