Shocking News! Markelle Fultz Could Join CBA: NBA No. 1 Pick Heading to China

Markelle Fultz, the No. 1 pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, has reportedly received offers from two Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) teams. While the reliability of this particular source may be questioned by some, the same outlet previously broke the story of Eric Bledsoe returning to the Shanghai Sharks, a report that turned out to be accurate. If Fultz truly decides to join the CBA, it would be groundbreaking for the league. At just 26 years old, the former top pick is still young, but his NBA career has been derailed by injuries, preventing him from reaching his full potential.

Fultz has been a free agent since the end of last season and has yet to secure a new NBA contract. Given the circumstances, exploring opportunities in overseas leagues could be a wise choice, even if only as a transitional phase. However, some fans may doubt his ability to thrive in the CBA due to his lack of consistent shooting.

During his NBA career, Fultz appeared in 234 regular-season games, averaging 25.5 minutes per game with 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.1 steals. He shot an efficient 47.2% from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, averaging just 27.4% on three-point attempts while making 0.3 threes per game. While shooting limitations are a notable challenge in the CBA, Fultz’s strength lies in his ability to drive to the basket and create opportunities—a skill set that could still make him a valuable asset.

There’s precedent for non-shooting NBA players finding success in the CBA. Take, for instance, Hamidou Diallo, the 2019 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, whose NBA three-point shooting stats are strikingly similar to Fultz’s. Diallo has a career three-point percentage of 27.4% and averages 0.3 made threes per game, yet he has been a standout performer for the Shanxi Loongs this season. Leveraging his elite athleticism, Diallo is currently averaging 18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.6 steals in just 23.9 minutes per game, shooting 47.3% from the field and 21.7% from deep.

Given Fultz’s pedigree as a former No. 1 pick and his consistent double-digit scoring in the NBA over four consecutive seasons, it would be premature to dismiss his potential in the CBA. He has undoubtedly developed skills and instincts that allow him to adapt and contribute. The real test will come if and when he takes the court in China.

Which Team Would Take the Gamble?

The key question is: which CBA team is bold enough to make a significant investment in Fultz? One thing is clear—Fultz won’t come cheap. Any team interested in his services must have deep pockets and an urgent need for a high-caliber foreign guard. All signs point to the Shanghai Sharks as a likely suitor.

The Sharks are currently in a challenging position with their foreign players. Two of their top targets, Antonio Blakeney and Treveon Graham, are unavailable—Blakeney signed with an Israeli team, while Graham is sidelined due to injury. In desperation, Shanghai re-signed Eric Bledsoe, who was initially considering retirement. While Bledsoe is a capable veteran, he alone cannot fulfill the team’s ambitions. Signing a player of Fultz’s caliber could elevate the Sharks’ prospects significantly.

What Could Fultz Bring to the CBA?

Fultz’s potential impact on the CBA depends largely on how well he can adjust to the league’s unique style of play. The CBA places a premium on individual scoring ability, especially for foreign guards, but it also demands versatility and basketball IQ. Despite his shooting woes, Fultz has proven himself to be a capable playmaker, an aggressive driver, and a solid defender when healthy. His quick first step and ability to create in transition could be game-changers in the CBA, where athleticism often reigns supreme.

Moreover, Fultz’s presence as a former No. 1 pick could bring significant attention to the league, both domestically and internationally. It’s not every day that a player with his draft pedigree considers playing in China. For Fultz, a successful stint in the CBA could serve as a stepping stone back to the NBA, much like it has for other players in the past.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

CBA fans have mixed reactions to the possibility of Fultz joining the league. Some are excited by the idea of seeing an NBA No. 1 pick showcase his talents in China, while others remain skeptical about his ability to dominate without a reliable jump shot. As one fan put it, “We won’t know if he’s a star or a bust in the CBA until he actually plays.”

What’s undeniable is that Fultz’s arrival would inject intrigue into the league. Whether he becomes a dominant force or struggles to adapt, his presence alone would be a major storyline for the CBA.

As speculation continues, all eyes are on the Sharks—or any other CBA team willing to take a chance on the talented but unproven guard. Whether Fultz can make the leap from NBA uncertainty to CBA stardom remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his journey would be one to watch.