On March 26, Markelle Fultz suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers for the first time since October 23rd. The 2018 number one pick missed five months of play with a scapular muscle imbalance in his right shoulder and had to relearn the lauded shooting mechanics that made him last year’s most sought-after NCAA player. In the 123-104 win over the Denver Nuggets, Fultz reminded Sixers fans why they learned to “trust the process” in the first place.
Fultz missed no time hustling on the court, taking thirteen shots in his fourteen minutes of play. He had a slow start to the first half, turning the ball over on his first possession and airballing his first jump shot. For a player whose shot has been dissected and criticized so closely, this miss reverberated across the entire basketball community. Fultz made up for his poor shooting by scoring on multiple imposing layups, and in the second half successfully made a few hesitation jumpers, the signature shot that gained him recognition in this past Summer League.
But in the months since that Summer League showing, fans and media pundits alike were quick to call Fultz a bust, or at least question the Sixers’ decision to trade up to the number one pick in order to draft him. Though his passing, ball handling, and inside scoring capabilities were compared to the likes of James Harden, Fultz was chosen primarily for his ability to shoot. The 76ers had the sixth worst three-point percentage the year they drafted him, so Fultz’s hesitation to shoot (and pitiful results when he did) were a major concern for the team going forward. For many, Fultz was considered a bust with a broken jumper; a wasted draft pick and a mark against the 76ers’ rebuild process.
So after months of reporting Fultz as “two to three weeks away” from reevaluation and multiple trips to Kentucky’s Shoulder Center for rehabilitation, Fultz sat on the bench for 61 games while he “re-learned his shot.” Fultz was restricted from major practices. The media struggled to gain access to his shooting drills and fans relied on speculation to stay informed about his improvement. Finally, videos appeared of him practicing his jumper, but the worst was revealed: his shot had deteriorated. The combo guard who hit 41 percent from three in his one year at Washington missed enough in practice to shoot a brick wall around the entire city of Philadelphia. It appeared, at least for a moment, that the rumors were true: Fultz had busted.
But as the nation turned their back on Fultz, Philadelphia beat reporters continued to post videos of his pregame warm-ups. Though in early February, General Manager Bryan Colangelo claimed Fultz’s shooting range was limited to the paint, as the months progressed his shot became more fluid. Eventually, his territory extended to the midrange and beyond, but the mechanics of his jumper still looked crooked and disjointed. Soon enough he began shooting against the staggered defense of the team’s trainers, launching turnaround trick shots and hesitation fakeouts. Something seemed to click. Washington’s Fultz reappeared, if only for a glimpse, and the shooter who earned the first pick in the draft seemed ready to take it to the next step.
-
Ep 161: Lions Dissapoint; NFL MVP; Week 12 Discussion
by Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 12:12 am
Fast forward a few weeks and Coach Brett Brown revealed that Fultz was leading meetings about his recovery, that the decision was his own on whether to return before season’s end. It became clear that his shoulder injury had healed, but his shot mechanics were still in question. In a gymnasium where even Ben Simmons could knock down three-pointers, Fultz’s in-game shot was still a variable. Whether it be the physical yips or a mental block, he was in doubt no matter how good he looked off the court.
As a player, Fultz is still going to be criticized, but his decision to return after the Sixers clinched the playoffs speaks miles to his confidence as a person. Despite the negativity he faced, he returned to the court of the Wells Fargo Center to a standing ovation from 76ers fans. Although starting 1-4 from the field, due in part by his unsettling airball, the arena shook with cheers of “We want Fultz” when he was on the bench in the fourth quarter. It would have been hard for Brown not to hear the thunderous chanting, but still, he listened, substituting Fultz for Simmons with less than three minutes left in an apparent blowout.
Philadelphia fans responded in suit, mocking the “Skol” chants of Minnesota Vikings fans by clapping in rhythm and chanting “Fultz” instead. This was a not-so-subtle nod to the Eagles’ victory over the Vikings en route to the Super Bowl, in which fans chanted “Foles.” Like the quarterback, Philly fans were ready for the point guard to make a comeback of his own. Finally, Fultz made two jump shots that sent the arena spinning, one from fourteen feet from the basket and one from twenty.
As the clock wound down, Fultz held the ball for the final seconds, launching it from half court as the buzzer sang. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid came off the bench to hug him and Robert Covington spilled water on his head during a post-game interview. All in all, Fultz scored ten points along with four rebounds, all offensive. He passed for eight assists with only one turnover and showed defensive potential after a leaping chase down block.
Though his first game of 2018 was good, if not brief, Fultz still has a long way to go. He shot only 38 percent on thirteen attempts and didn’t attempt a single three. With the 76ers playoff bound and on a seven-game win streak, we can expect to see Fultz play more often, but we still need to see what he could do beyond the arc and in more than fourteen minutes. If the Sixers can work Fultz back in without sacrificing team chemistry, he could be the final puzzle piece that could send them far in their first playoff appearance in eight years. But putting the future aside, this game was a good sign and only a stepping stone in the story to come. For now, you can trust the process, indeed, Sixers fans.
-
Ep 180: Hall of Fame Class Of 2024 Semifinalists Discussionby Full Press Coverage on November 28, 2023 at 7:02 pm
Ira and Clark dissect the 2024 Hall of Fame class semifinalists. Learn […]
-
Ep 179: Hall of Famer Drew Pearson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2023 at 5:14 pm
Hall of Fame wide receiver Drew Pearson returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 178: Patriots, Eagles, 49ers, and More With Joe Bannerby Full Press Coverage on November 18, 2023 at 3:00 am
Former NFL executive Joe Banner returns to the show to talk with Clark and […]
-
Ep 177: Hall of Famer Mel Blount Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on November 11, 2023 at 1:00 am
Former Steeler and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mel Blount joins Clark and […]
-
What's next for the Carolina Panthersby LandryFootball.com on November 30, 2023 at 11:00 am
Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper said he does possess patience despite […]
-
All about the CFB Playoff Scenariosby LandryFootball.com on November 29, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Heading into championship weekend, eight teams — Georgia, Michigan, […]
-
Ep 316: Week 13 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2023 at 4:08 am
-
Ep 315: Week 12 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2023 at 3:46 am
-
Ep 314: Week 11 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 15, 2023 at 3:18 am
-
Ep 313: Week 10 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 9, 2023 at 1:53 am
-
Ep 197: Recapping Weeks 11 & 12by Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 11:26 pm
This episode is a double-dip in a good way. Kyle Senra and Jesse Hall […]
-
Ep 196: Week 11 vs Chargersby Full Press Coverage on November 17, 2023 at 9:27 pm
In this solo show, Kyle Senra previews the Green Bay Packers Week 11 game […]
-
Full Press Islanders - 11-29 - It happened again.by Full Press Coverage on November 29, 2023 at 5:05 pm
The Islanders blow another multi goal lead losing 5-4 to the Devils. This […]
-
Full Press Hurricanes - 11-29 - The Hurricanes Defeat the Flyers 4-1 on the Roadby Full Press Coverage on November 29, 2023 at 4:15 pm
Carolina never trailed in this road game as they handed Philadelphia a 4-1 […]
-
Full Press Kraken - 11-29 - disappointing loss, Blackhawks, distractionsby Full Press Coverage on November 29, 2023 at 2:30 pm
Recapping the loss to Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit […]
-
Full Press Panthers - 11-29 - Florida Panthers go to the 6 and lose to the Toronto Maple Leafsby Full Press Coverage on November 29, 2023 at 2:15 pm
The Panthers on the road lose to the Maple Leafs. A lot of positives to be […]
-
Full Press Wild - 11-29 - Recapping a big win for the Wild, and a new head coach.by Full Press Coverage on November 29, 2023 at 2:15 pm
Win, St Louis, New coach, John Hynes. Learn more about your ad choices. […]
-
Full Press Blackhawks - 11-29 - Corey Perry’s contract has been terminatedby Full Press Coverage on November 29, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Discussing the Chicago Blackhawks terminating the contract of Corey Perry, […]
-
11/28 - MNF Reaction, State Of The NFLby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2023 at 3:49 am
Ian and John react to Monday Night Football and discuss more of the state […]
-
11/27 - Thanksgiving Recap; Jalen Hurts, NFL News and Notesby Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 10:43 pm
Ian and John recap Thanksgiving weekend, discuss Jalen Hurts' moment, and […]
-
11/24 - Thanksgiving Recap, Jets/Dolphins, Week 12 Picksby Full Press Coverage on November 24, 2023 at 3:47 pm
Ian and John react to all of the action on Thanksgiving Day and look ahead […]
-
11/23 - Thanksgiving Day Preview, Tom Brady, Top 5 NFL Teamsby Full Press Coverage on November 23, 2023 at 3:11 pm
Ian and John discuss the Thanksgiving Day slate of games in the NFL, Tom […]
-
11/21- MNF Reaction, Eagles Handle Chiefs, NFL MVPby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2023 at 3:31 am
Ian and John react to the Eagles win over the Chiefs on Monday Night […]
-
11/20 - Week 11 Reactions, MVP Race, MNF Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 20, 2023 at 3:08 pm
Ian and John react to Sunday's NFL action, talk MVP, and preview MNF […]
-
Ep 2: Top 5 Super Bowls Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on February 7, 2023 at 3:26 pm
Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti give their Top 5 Super Bowls of all time. […]
-
Ep 1: The Top 10 Quarterbacks Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 8:42 pm
On the first episode of 'According To Who?', host Ian Glendon and John […]
-
CFB Daily: College Football Championship Weekendby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2023 at 5:01 pm
-
Broncos at Texans - Browns at Rams - 49ers at Eaglesby Broken Controller Media on November 30, 2023 at 3:00 pm
-
Jazz at Timberwolves - Bucks at Bulls - Clippers at Warriorsby Broken Controller Media on November 30, 2023 at 3:00 pm
-
Pacers at Heat - Hawks at Spurs - Lakers at Thunderby Broken Controller Media on November 30, 2023 at 2:00 pm
-
Trail Blazers at Cavaliers - Pistons at Knicks - Hornets at Netsby Broken Controller Media on November 30, 2023 at 1:05 pm
-
Ep 316: Week 13 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2023 at 4:08 am
-
11/28 - MNF Reaction, State Of The NFLby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2023 at 3:49 am
-
Panthers at Buccaneers - Colts at Titans - Dolphins at Commandersby Broken Controller Media on November 29, 2023 at 6:40 pm
-
Falcons at Jets - Chargers at Patriots - Lions at Saints - Cardinals at Steelersby Broken Controller Media on November 29, 2023 at 4:00 pm
-
Full Press MMA - 11-29 - Sean Strickland in the news for a wild situationby Full Press Coverage on November 29, 2023 at 4:00 pm
-
AEW Full Gear 2023 Review and Roman Reigns Inflated Title Streakby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again as he breaks down AEW Full Gear 2023. What […]
-
AEW Full Gear 2023 Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 17, 2023 at 8:08 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again getting you ready for AEW 2023 Full Gear […]
-
Ep 192 - Matt Morganby Full Press Coverage on November 25, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Matt Morgan is a 7-foot monster who had runs in both WWE and TNA. This […]