Markelle Fultz's falling out of favor with the Philadelphia 76ers will always, unfortunately, be a huge part of his basketball career. The Sixers traded him at the trade deadline a few years ago for peanuts after he couldn't stay healthy. One common narrative around Fultz's time in Philadelphia was that the fanbase was unreasonably unsupportive of him.
Just a few years after Fultz's departure, another situation is brewing between a Sixers point guard and the fan base. Ben Simmons keeping his distance from the team has caused serious frustration and disappointment within the Philly fanbase towards their All-Star point guard. Former Sixer Dwight Howard voiced his displeasure with how the fans have reacted to Simmons' absence.
Talking with former NBA player Etan Thomas on his podcast, Fultz opened up about the Philadelphia fan base. The former top prospect said that the fans showed him tough love and that he never thought he was treated badly by them.
Fultz talking about Philly fans pic.twitter.com/H64EMFZA3w
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Despite the Fultz-Sixers situation being years old, Fultz's experience could offer a different lens to observe the Simmons situation. Philly sports fans have a reputation of being crazy, obnoxious and passionate for their teams. One of their alleged former targets saying that he always felt love from them discredits that narrative. It probably won't terminate it, though.
Fultz has yet to play this season as he rehabs from an ACL tear. He'll join a bad but tough Magic team led by fellow young point guards Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony once he returns.
The Sixers are 10-9 this season, having to survive long stretches without their key players. Their franchise superstar, Joel Embiid, is on track to return to the court soon.
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