Markelle Fultz is the definition of evolution. From not making his sophomore high school team, to being the no.1 overall pick for the Philadelphia 76ers. The process should be trusted with the eyes of the future in the hands Fultz. Averaging nearly 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, Fultz led the 2016 FIBA America U18 squad to the gold medal and was named the MVP. He has a sweet shooting stroke that is unmatched and sick moves he makes from the perimeter. When driving to the basket, you can say “I can stop him” but you can only hope to contain him.
The NBA Draft saw a dream realized for Fultz. A night in which he showed great appreciation to his Mother, Ms. Ebony Fultz. The hug Markelle gave his Mother after hearing his name called showed just how much this moment meant to the pair, and his sister Shauntese right beside him, creating a powerful union of love. His Father was not there as he made it clear with a tweet: “Hey Dad, I made it without you.” He is focused and determined to beat the odds. Fultz has been on record saying he wants to be a leader and the best player to touch a basketball.
You can have a great player, but if you don’t have players surrounding him for that one year, it’s a difficult task to win consistently. In his final collegiate year however, he shined never the less. Shooting 46 percent from the field, 41 percent from 3, and averaging 23 points 5.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists, to go with 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks, Fultz turned heads every step of the way.
The numbers Fultz put up let you see his potential on both sides of the floor. Not too many 6’4 guards are blocking 1.2 shots a game. He tried to do everything he could for Washington. Now his next journey puts him in a place he has been waiting for his whole life.
With a tattoo that stands for “Faithful to the Grind”, that mantra was reflected in a Summer League showing that was overshadowed with an ankle injury. His 20 points per game game average included a 23 point, 5 rebound, 5 assist, game against Utah, as he exploded to score 13 in the 4th quarter. The clutch gene is seemingly embedded deep into his DNA.
Fultz will evolve at a rapid pace and his spirit to compete will have him ready for every game. His mentality, his flashy play, and his sheer production will see his game elevate at the NBA level, as Sixers fans fall in love with their guard of the future. There is even a possible all-star birth that could happen this year. His ability to score at will at the age of just 19 combined with the predicted success of the Sixers this year, could put his name into conversation.
The pick of Fultz started something. Suddenly, Philly became a place of interest for big name free agents. After signing J.J. Redick and Amir Johnson this year, even Carmelo Anthony called Philly an option, willing to waive his no trade clause. With the recent flirting of LeBron James, it’s safe to say that the time of the Sixers is coming.
The comparisons to Russell Westbrook and James harden are not far-fetched he is even better at 19 than both stars were. Prepare for a new era in guard play. As Steph Curry has set one trend, look for Fultz to set the other. He could soon be the NBA’s best guard.
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
