NBA Rookie Breakdown: #20 Markelle Fultz

Game Log thus far:

After a little break in this segment we are returning with none other than the #1 pick in this year’s NBA Draft, Markelle Fultz.  The 19 year old has struggled a bit for the Sixers so far, but there is no need to panic.  His incredible offensive arsenal will show as he better acclimates and also is given more opportunities. Fultz spent his college time playing at the University of Washington before being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers.  The Sixers felt he was a big enough prospect to trade up to get him at number 1, hoping he can be their Point Guard of the future.  Fultz stands at 6’4”, 200 lbs, with a 7’0” wingspan, which helps him play a lot bigger than he is.  While he does play the point guard for the Sixers, I think he will ultimately become a shooting guard due to his above average scoring ability.  The Sixers are hoping he is going to complete their Big 3 of the future, and he will have the help around him to progress well as a player.

In his 2 games in the Utah Summer League, Fultz was second in scoring in the league with an even 20 points per game, while grabbing 3.5 rpg and dishing out 3 apg.  Defensively he had a good showing, averaging 1.5 bpg, which really showcases his athleticism and defensive ability.  He served as one of the top ball handlers on the team, but did a ton off of the ball.  He did a lot of scoring for the team, knocking down jumpers from all over and moving off the ball often.  Off-ball play is something to focus on for rookies, as it often is a point of struggle for them.  Fultz is a great shot creator because he can not only get open for a catch and shoot, but he can also dribble his way into a double move and score by creating space for himself.  He has great footwork as a shooter, often using his spin move and stepback jumper to great success.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zgsTbGMpZE

While he is listed as a point guard I feel as though that won’t be for long.  Not to take anything away from him, but he doesn’t have the passing ability and vision to become an outstanding passing guard and should focus more as a scorer and defender.  If he could bring down 5 rebounds per game with the use of his vertical and wingspan he would be a solid player for years to come.  One of the keys in his scoring is his three point shooting ability.  Not only is he great off the catch and shoot, but he has some deep range ability and can shoot from a majority of the part of the floor.  He can get to 5-8 feet from the three point line and drain shots which can really help the Sixers space the floor in the upcoming season.  He also is not afraid of contact.  He will take it hard to the basket on anyone and will finish his shot well.  He likes using a driving spin move to create space and allow him great time to finish his layup.

His athleticism and size is one of his big time strengths.  He has the ability to high fly and finish strong.  His athleticism helps him get down the court quickly and attack the basket by beating his man to the rim, and he does it often.  Markelle also uses his vertical to get the ball to the rim, blocking his opponents, and rebounding with the combination of his wingspan.  If Fultz learns to use his wingspan to its maximum ability he could become a lot better of a passer.  A player who excelled from having a large wingspan is Rajon Rondo, who used ball fakes and wrap around passes to his advantage throughout his career.  

Given that his team stays healthy Fultz will be key to the Sixers run at a playoff spot.  They are gonna look to him to score 12-17 points per game and give them some great play throughout the season.  The Sixers will have an interesting lineup with Fultz, Simmons, Covington, Saric, and Embiid come playoff time.  It will be curious to see how the Sixers want to use Fultz and how much time he will get.  

2017-18 Update:  Since this article is written as the NBA has kicked off, we can get a little insight to how he has played so far.  He has not gotten a ton of minutes so far starting his seasons off the bench, due to his lack of game experience in the preseason.  While he shot well in his first game, he hasn’t shot well lately.  He has struggled early, averaging 7.3 points per game.  It is extremely early, and there is much more season to play out, so we won’t make any rash judgements based on 3 games prematurely.

ROLE PREDICTION: The Sixers may elect to bring Fultz along a little slower, but he will be a starter for a majority of the season.  He should be giving Philadelphia somewhere between 25-32 minutes per game and increased minutes nearing the end of the season.

Markelle Fultz due to Simmons and Embiid taking stats from him will fall short of the All-Rookie First Team and will be voted onto the Second Team.  He will be on the cusp of the First Team but will fall short.

Written by Nick Kazandjian