A Drastic Decline! Why No One Wants 26-Year-Old Markelle Fultz Anymore?

Markelle Fultz, the 2017 NBA Draft's number one overall pick, has become a perplexing figure in the basketball world. Once a promising talent picked ahead of stars like Jayson Tatum, Fultz's career has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. As the NBA free agency period progresses, most notable free agents have secured their contracts, leaving players like Fultz in a precarious position. The question remains: why has Fultz become an undesirable option for many teams?

Early Career and Struggles

Fultz entered the NBA with high expectations. Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, he was seen as a cornerstone for the team's future. However, his early career was plagued by a mysterious shoulder injury that not only affected his shooting mechanics but also his confidence. This "yips"-like condition rendered him almost unrecognizable compared to the player who excelled at the University of Washington.

The initial phase of his career was characterized by limited playing time and an inability to perform consistently. His awkward shooting form, especially at the free-throw line, became a subject of scrutiny and ridicule, overshadowing his potential.

Revival with the Orlando Magic

In February 2019, the 76ers traded Fultz to the Orlando Magic, offering him a fresh start. Over time, Fultz began to show glimpses of his potential. He shed the "yips" tag and started contributing more effectively on the court. Despite this progress, Fultz's performance never fully lived up to his draft status.

His best season came in 2022-23, where he played 60 games, all as a starter, and averaged 14.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His shooting percentages were respectable, with 51.4% from the field, 31.0% from three-point range, and 78.3% from the free-throw line, resulting in a true shooting percentage of 56.4%.

Decline in the 2023-24 Season

The 2023-24 season saw the Magic make significant strides, finishing with a 47-35 record and securing the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. They even pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round of the playoffs. However, Fultz's role diminished significantly. He played only 43 games, with 18 starts, averaging 21.2 minutes, 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. His shooting percentages dropped to 47.2% from the field, a dismal 22.2% from three, and 69.7% from the free-throw line, culminating in a true shooting percentage of 49.2%.

In the playoffs, his role was further reduced, playing 15.1 minutes per game and averaging 6.4 points. Compared to the previous season, his scoring and assists were nearly halved, and his usage rate plummeted from 26.5% to 18.2%.

Reasons for Decline

Several factors contributed to Fultz's decline. The Magic's resurgence was largely driven by the growth of young stars like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs, who needed more playing time and ball-handling responsibilities. This development relegated Fultz to a less prominent role, often stationed in the corner—a role not suited to his strengths.

Fultz's deficiencies also played a role. His lack of a reliable jump shot is a significant hindrance in today's NBA, where spacing and shooting are crucial. His career three-point shooting percentage stands at a woeful 27.4%, with last season being even worse at 22.2% (4-for-18 over 43 games). This inability to shoot from distance allows defenses to sag off him, clogging driving lanes and diminishing his effectiveness.

Additionally, Fultz's injury history is a major concern. Over the past four seasons, he has missed an average of 47.3 games per year, a staggering number that no team can ignore. Consistency and availability are vital, and Fultz has struggled in these areas.

The Market for Point Guards

The current NBA free agency market for point guards is not favorable for Fultz. With most teams having secured their primary targets, the chances of Fultz landing a desirable contract are slim. His best hope might be a minimum contract, serving as a backup point guard. Teams like the Phoenix Suns or the Los Angeles Clippers could use his services, but his lack of shooting and injury concerns may deter them.

Future Prospects

At 26 years old, Fultz is in the prime of his athletic career. His draft contemporaries, such as Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, De'Aaron Fox, Lauri Markkanen, Malik Monk, and Bam Adebayo, are thriving and reaching new heights. However, Fultz finds himself at a crossroads, facing the possibility of being out of the league, similar to fellow 2017 draftee Lonzo Ball, who has also been hampered by injuries.

Expectations for Fultz have shifted dramatically. The hope for him to become an All-Star or an All-NBA player has all but vanished. The focus now is on whether he can carve out a niche in the NBA and prove himself as a valuable contributor. His journey from being the number one pick with mysterious ailments to a player fighting for a spot in the league is a testament to his resilience.

Conclusion

Markelle Fultz's journey in the NBA has been a tumultuous one, marked by high expectations, debilitating injuries, and fleeting moments of brilliance. As he navigates free agency, his future remains uncertain. While his talent is undeniable, the combination of injury woes and shooting deficiencies has made teams wary. Nonetheless, his perseverance and ability to overcome adversity cannot be overlooked. Whether he finds a new home in the NBA or not, Fultz's story is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the resilience required to succeed.