After missing 68 games with a shoulder injury, No. 1 draft pick Markelle Fultz finally donned the Sixers jersey and stepped into the court.
Sixers fans gave him a warm welcome that he deserves:
The shoulder injury greatly affected Fultz's shooting form. It forced the coaching staff to let him recover fully and fix the awkward form before returning to action.
As reported by ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz, Sixers head coach Brett Brown understood what Fultz has gone through. He knows that Fultz is under a lot of pressure to perform well as the number pick in the draft.
“Just look at what he's been through,” Brown said. “It's ridiculous what he's been through. He understands it. I understand it. That's the scrutiny you get when somebody says, ‘And with the first pick in the 2017 NBA draft, the Philadelphia 76ers select Markelle Fultz.' That comes with pressures and responsibilities and acknowledgments. It's just such an atypical way anybody enters pro sports. Knowing what I know and seeing what I've seen, and understanding how special that kid is from a human being standpoint, it's a good day.”
Brown pointed out that it was Fultz' decision to lace up those shoes and play. Fultz has undergone intense workouts the past few weeks, signifying that he's getting healthier every day. There is no timetable yet for Fultz though it is certain that he won't be playing heavy minutes. The Sixers are definitely going to monitor him with a close eye and develop a realistic timetable for him.