It has been a long season for Markelle Fultz and the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Sixers' first round pick from the 2017 draft has missed a lot of time so far this season and has yet to bounce back and deliver the type of production Philly was expecting when they brought him in. However, despite Markelle Fultz having only played 19 games this season and being at the center of some trade speculation, Coach Brett Brown has high hopes for him later down the road.
#Sixers coach Brett Brown, asked if he’s counting on Markelle Fultz for the playoffs: ‘I hope to be pleasantly surprised (with Fultz on the court).’
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) February 5, 2019
This season, the Sixers have their best chance in a while to make some noise in the playoffs. Although they are at fifth in the Eastern Conference, their 34-19 record has them tied with both the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics. With their current standing, they will likely finish with homecourt advantage going into the playoffs.
Not to mention that they have three All-Star level players in Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler.
The only concern for Philly this season has been their depth, and a healthy and productive Fultz could do a lot to qualm those worries. In his brief time on the court this season, he has averaged 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 22.5 minutes per game.
Fultz has plenty to offer, though the Sixers are hoping he will move past his struggles shooting the ball, as he has been making only 28.6 percent of his triples. While in college, Fultz shot over 40 percent from deep — a sign that he has the potential to at least be an average perimeter shooter in the league.
Fultz could be the piece to put his team over the edge come playoff time, and the Sixers unwillingness to move on from him this season shows they believe he still has plenty left to offer.
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