Signed and Sealed! Former No. 1 Pick Markelle Fultz Makes His NBA Comeback

The long and tumultuous journey of Markelle Fultz has taken yet another dramatic turn. Once heralded as a generational talent and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Fultz is now fighting to keep his career alive. After nearly a year without a team, the 26-year-old guard has officially signed with the Sacramento Kings for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

While this signing offers him a lifeline back into the league, it comes with no guarantees. The Kings are locked in a fierce battle for playoff positioning, currently sitting at ninth place in the Western Conference with a 28-27 record. With the Golden State Warriors breathing down their necks at 28-27 as well, Sacramento has little room for experiments. This means Fultz will have to prove himself quickly if he hopes to earn meaningful minutes.

The Rise and Fall of a No. 1 Pick

Fultz’s NBA career has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Coming out of Washington, he was the consensus top prospect in the 2017 draft, drawing comparisons to elite playmakers due to his athleticism, vision, and scoring ability. The Philadelphia 76ers selected him first overall, envisioning him as the final piece of their “Process” alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.

However, almost immediately, things went off the rails. Fultz developed a bizarre shooting issue, later diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome, a rare nerve condition that affected his ability to lift and control his shoulder properly. His once-fluid jump shot completely deteriorated, and even basic free throws became an adventure. At times, he looked like he had forgotten how to shoot altogether.

Adding to the mystery, his condition seemed to come and go. Some days, he looked fine in warm-ups, but in games, he struggled to even release the ball correctly. This led to speculation about whether it was purely a physical issue or a mental one. Regardless of the cause, the Sixers quickly lost patience, and after just 33 games over two seasons, they shipped him off to the Orlando Magic in 2019.

A Glimmer of Hope in Orlando

The change of scenery seemed to help. In his first full season with the Magic (2019-20), Fultz finally started to show glimpses of the player scouts had once raved about. He played 72 games, averaging 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His jump shot was still shaky, but his ability to attack the rim and make plays for teammates made him a solid starting point guard.

Believing in his resurgence, the Magic rewarded him with a three-year, $50 million extension. For a brief moment, it looked like Fultz had rewritten his narrative.

But fate had other plans.

Just eight games into the 2020-21 season, Fultz tore his ACL. Another devastating injury, another long rehab process. He returned to action in the 2021-22 season, but his minutes were limited, and by the time the 2023 offseason arrived, the Magic had decided to move on.

A Year in Limbo

Despite flashes of productivity, Fultz found himself without a team after his Magic contract expired. His name barely surfaced in NBA discussions, and at one point, rumors suggested that he had received offers from two teams in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Had Sacramento not come calling, he might have been forced to take his talents overseas.

Now, with a new opportunity in Sacramento, Fultz has a chance to remind the basketball world of his potential. But will he get the chance to prove himself?

The Kings’ Playoff Push

The Kings’ decision to sign Fultz is intriguing, given their current situation. Sacramento is fighting to stay in the playoff picture, meaning head coach Mike Brown doesn’t have the luxury of patience. If Fultz wants to carve out a role, he’ll need to impress immediately.

His versatility as a ball-handler, defender, and secondary playmaker could be valuable off the bench, but the Kings already have a crowded backcourt led by De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, and Davion Mitchell. The reality is, Fultz isn’t just competing for minutes—he’s fighting for his NBA future.

The Harsh Reality of the NBA

Fultz’s story is a reminder of just how brutal professional basketball can be. One moment, you’re the top pick in the draft, and the next, you’re struggling to find a job. Injuries, mental hurdles, and team circumstances can derail even the most promising careers.

At just 26 years old, Fultz should be entering his prime. Instead, he’s clinging to a roster spot on a team that may not have long-term plans for him. If he can’t break into the Kings’ rotation, what’s next? More short-term contracts? A trip overseas? The end of his NBA journey?

A Commentary on Fultz’s Redemption Arc

The NBA loves a redemption story, and Fultz still has a chance to write his own. His talent was undeniable coming out of college, and even through all the setbacks, he has shown flashes of brilliance. The biggest question is whether his body—and more importantly, his confidence—will allow him to fully reclaim his game.

For now, all he can do is embrace the grind. If he can stay healthy and find a way to contribute to the Kings’ playoff push, maybe, just maybe, he can rewrite his legacy. But if not, his time in the league may be running out.

So, for all the fans who once believed in Markelle Fultz, the message is simple: this might be his last shot. Let’s see what he does with it.