Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown shone some light upon rookie Markelle Fultz and his recovery process, after the top overall pick has missed nine straight games with a somewhat obscure shoulder injury.
Fultz played in the first four games of the season, but saw limited participation as his game was corralled to only lay-ups and push shots from the free-throw line, which displayed his discomfort with his shooting shoulder.
“We spend so much time under the constrictions that we have with making sure his head is right, his body is right, getting him to sweat with his cardio,” said Brown, according to Andrew Porter of CBS Philly. “Still working on his skills that don’t affect his shot. The problem is the shoulder, the problem is the shot. So all of things that you just heard me say, are things that avoid that. And slowly we’re getting his shoulder stronger, we’re getting him more confident.”
Brett Brown remained noncommittal to a return date for Markelle Fultz, who figured to be a key piece to the puzzle alongside fellow Sixers rookie Ben Simmons and second-year center Joel Embiid.
“What the endgame is, what the return to play is — we do not know,” said Brown. “But I can say with sort of great confidence — and we’ve had a lot practice dealing with injured high draft picks — that the plan that he’s on is very comprehensive and thorough. From diet, to study, to Jon Gruden quarterback camp with me and him sitting in a video room talking about stuff. Sitting him up the bench. When you watch our games, you’ll notice where he sits, we can communicate with him.
“And he’s just very involved, although not in a uniform on game night, he’s moving forward. And I think the city is gonna realize soon, once that happens, what a unique player we actually have. He’s been an enigma so far, but I just feel — I’ve got a gut feel and study feel that he’s just gonna please lots of people, in regards to us drafting him.”
Markelle Fultz has averaged 6.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists through four games this season, shooting 33 percent from the floor and 50 percent from the line. He's yet to attempt a 3-point shot due to the discomfort on his shoulder, which was one of his main strengths during his lone season of college ball at Washington.
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