On Monday afternoon, Sixers’ number one overall pick Markelle Fultz was invited to Citizens Bank Park to throw out the first pitch before the Phillies took on the Braves.
#Sixers' @MarkelleF #Phillies' #firstpitchflow pic.twitter.com/BwQkeF9LyK
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Fultz left the pitch a bit high to the Phantic, but nevertheless, it wasn’t bad, considering the rookie didn’t throw any warming pitching, according to sources (Fultz himself).
Fultz told CSN Philly last week at a Sixers summer camp that “we’re going to be in the playoffs this year.” Those are some lofty expectations for a rookie joining a team that’s won a combined 75 games over the last four years.
With some time to think about it over the weekend, Fultz was asked about his prediction again at Citizens Bank Park on Monday. “Definitely. My confidence is high,” he told reporters via the of the interview. “It’s nowhere near cockiness, it’s just me having confidence. I believe in the team. I believe in what I can do, what the coaching staff can do. Everybody on the team’s goal is to make it to the playoffs and everybody believes we can make it.”
With a healthy Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons in addition to J.J. Redick, Dario Saric, Jerryd Bayless, Robert Covington and Fultz, it’s playoffs or bust, especially for head coach Brett Brown, who will be entering his fifth season; the first with a legitimate NBA roster.
The number one overall pick, who sprained his ankle out in Vegas during the NBA Summer Legaue, said that his ankle is doing well. “Definitely,” Fultz said. “I have been working out lately, getting strength back, doing rehab and everything like that. My ankle is doing a lot better. I’ll be fine.” Certainty excellent news considering the pain was Fultz was in when he sustained the injury.
Fultz, along with the rest of the team, should be rearing to go for opening night in October.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
