Philadelphia 76ers rookie Markelle Fultz is nearing a return, and while having him back will be a welcome sight for the team, it will likely involve a few changes in the rotation.
According to head coach Brett Brown, fellow rookie Ben Simmons will slide back to the power forward position at times when Fultz makes his imminent return, according to Jon Johnson of KYW1060 Philadelphia.
Fultz is still working on his shot, and by the looks of it, it hasn't progressed much — limited to shooting from close distances and still struggling from the foul line, as he did to begin the season.
Fultz from the line pic.twitter.com/Yl1D66ZyfR
— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) January 24, 2018
As seen in the video, Fultz has struggled to find his touch from the line, even getting a “Jesus!” from one of the reporters seeing him brick one far right, before attempting another.
Let’s check in with Markelle Fultz, who looks good under 10’. Haven’t seen anything beyond. pic.twitter.com/KObHTTF02C
— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) January 24, 2018
Fultz doesn't seem to have a problem extending his shoulder for a layup, but rather pushing up on the joint when his shot goes up for a free-throw, hence not yet being cleared to take long jumpers.
Despite his improved on-court activities, Fultz, without his shot, seems to be only a half man with the basketball and unable to show the world why he was drafted as the top pick in last year's NBA Draft.
Meanwhile, Simmons, a 6-foot-10 point-forward, is expected to continue his playmaking duties with only a makeshift rotation at the point guard position, using the likes of T.J. McConnell and Jerryd Bayless.