The Toronto Raptors (39-31) need healthy players for the final stretch of the regular season, and possibly beyond. Markelle Fultz wants another shot, possibly his final one, to prove he can be an impactful NBA contributor. Starting now, both parties will try to help each other accomplish their respective goals. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft is signing a 10-day contract with the team, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Earlier in March, Fultz joined the Raptors 905, Toronto's G League affiliate, so there was always a chance he could snag a slot on the NBA roster. The 27-year-old guard is one of the biggest “what could have been” cases in recent history. Despite being an excellent shooter for the Washington Huskies, Fultz struggled immensely from 3-point range upon joining the Philadelphia 76ers. He was diagnosed with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome in 2018, bringing some clarity to this brutal puzzle.
The former Third-Team All-American eventually found a role for himself on the Orlando Magic, averaging a career-high 14.0 points in 60 games during the 2022-23 campaign. He has been unable to stay healthy, however and last played for the Sacramento Kings in the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament. It is clear Fultz will not come close to fulfilling the potential he entered the league with, but maybe he can be a rotational player for a competitive squad.
The Raptors currently occupy fifth place in the Eastern Conference, but there is only two and a half games separating them from 10th. They cannot take anything for granted. This team can easily fall into the Play-In danger zone and miss the playoffs altogether. Late-season injuries can derail what is an overall promising year in The 6. Management is doing its part to combat any potential mishaps.
Markelle Fultz scores 10.4 points per game on 47.0 percent shooting for his career, a respectable level of output for someone who averages just 24.0 minutes. Perhaps he can make meaningful contributions in spurts. Although rust and 3-point shooting limitations warrant concern, the Raptors can use reinforcements right now. Immanuel Quickley is battling plantar fasciitis and will miss Monday's road matchup against the Utah Jazz.
Fultz may not get many opportunities to leave his mark in Toronto, but he should be grateful to play meaningful basketball again. His redemption quest has resumed.
