The Magic will begin their training camp next Tuesday, and point guard Markelle Fultz is expected to be a full participant, president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said today, per Josh Robbins of The Athletic (Twitter link).
Fultz, the first overall pick in the 2017 draft, last played in an NBA game in November 2018 and hasn’t suited up for a single game for the Magic since being acquired by the team at last season’s deadline. While Fultz is hesitant to say that his health issues – diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome – are completely healed, he has recovered to the point where he shouldn’t face any restrictions in camp, writes Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.
While Fultz is healthy enough to participate in training camp, it’s not clear whether he’ll suit up for Orlando’s preseason games or if he’ll be able to play regular minutes to start the season. That may depend on how he looks in camp.
“We’re going to remain patient,” Weltman said, per Reynolds. “We’re not going to put expectations or timelines on his development. He hasn’t played basketball in a year. He’s played 33 games total in his career. So it’s going to unfold the way it unfolds.”
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As Roy Parry of The Orlando Sentinel relays (via Twitter), Fultz couldn’t point to a specific point when he felt as if he was back to normal, but he kept seeing more shots go on with less pain as he shot them, which was a turning point. With his game coming back, the 21-year-old is confident that he can make an impact on the court for the Magic.
“I was the No. 1 pick for a reason,” Fultz said today, according to Reynolds. “I knew that I work hard and what I can do on the basketball court. That’s all that matters.”
What a dog
1……..Markelle F. = Bust
2………Lonzo Ball =Borderline Bust
3………Jayson Tatum = Probably Bust
4. D Aaron Fox= Probably Bust
5.Jon Issac= Who?
6. L. Mark&Ann=Whatever
7.F. Nitlinka=2017 Entire Draft Class Bust ….No need to go on
Fultz does look better facially, like a real person, like say, up to 2nd string. As opposed to, no way. He never looked quite right to me before.
The shot is maybe better… videos can be edited to make an impression, but apparently he is capable of shooting without flinching or leanback or holding on to it too long, and with a fine sidestep.
But I doubt he will be better than Augustin.
He can get to the rim. If anything, hed end up as a low % shooting PG with below average assists. Not worth what hell be paid next year.
Markelle…save and invest your money wisely.