NBA fans and critics alike were itching to see the first overall pick Markelle Fultz come back from the shoulder injury which altered his shooting mechanics. They want to see what he's all about: if he's a bust or if he can lift the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs. There were many expectations indeed. But for the 19-year-old Fultz, he simply wanted to play the game he loved.
As reported by Keith Pompey of Philly.com, Fultz knew the expectations but wasn't bothered by it. Several clips of Fultz made rounds online. It showed him shooting airballs during practice and struggling with his shooting form. Yet for him, being sidelined hurt because he couldn't do the thing he loved the most.
Article Continues Below“It wasn’t anything about expectations or anything,” Fultz said. “I just felt like something I loved doing I couldn’t do anymore, and it hurt for a little while.”
Now that Fultz is good to go, he seems as good as publicized. Ever since coming back, he has averaged 6.7 points, 2.7 rebounds in 15.8 minutes in four games. He has served as the reserve point guard behind Ben Simmons. In that four-game span, he has tallied 19 assists with just two turnovers. Fultz seems intent on playing his role and distributing the rock as he's expected of:
“I just want to help the team,” he said of his role. “That’s the same next year. When I come in, I feel like I’m in the position that’s best for me, screen and rolls, running the offense, being a point guard.”