Markelle Fultz has heard the offseason rumblings that suggest the Philadelphia Sixers need another free agent star to support the star pairing of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Look no further, as he feels he can fit that role just fine.

“I kind of like when people doubt me and say ‘look for another star,'” said Markelle Fultz, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “I see myself as that player. I just work every day to become better.”

“I really don't look at other people's goals [for him], but I definitely look at it to see myself as that next player that can step up in that role.”

Fultz has already started to show signs of becoming that player — a triple-double in his last regular season game last season and a couple of double-digit showings early in the preseason suggest he has what it takes to make a Big 3 in Philly.

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon (23) drives against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers’ 2 important contract decisions amid free agency crunchMalik Brown ·
Featured image Kelly Oubre Jr
76ers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. makes $8.4 million contract decision ahead of free agencyDylan Fine ·
76ers' Guerschon Yabusele surrounded by money
Ascending Western Conference squad named Guerschon Yabusele suitorAbdullah Imran ·
VJ Edgecombe and Johni Broome on the 76ers court
Philadelphia 76ers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers sign breakout bench piece to 3-year contract extensionAbdullah Imran ·
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) drives to the basket around Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Kevin Overton (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center.
VJ Edgecombe gets touching gesture from 76ers Daryl MoreyMatty Breisch ·

Most recently, coach Brett Brown placed his faith in Fultz, hoping lauded marksman J.J. Redick would be willing to come off the bench while giving Fultz a shot to start at shooting guard, giving the Sixers backcourt two playmakers in him and Simmons.

“My goal is to come and help the team in as many ways as I can,” Fultz said. “We did pretty good in making it to the playoffs, the second round.”

Fultz's offensive firepower and defensive prowess could very well be what vaults the Sixers from playoff hopefuls to Eastern Conference contenders, now counting with Redick as a proven reinforcement coming off the bench.