Signing with the CBA? Why Has 26-Year-Old Markelle Fultz Fallen This Far?

The latest buzz from Chinese sports media personality "@导演我躺哪_basketball" reports that Markelle Fultz, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, has received offers from two teams in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). For many fans, it’s both shocking and thought-provoking. After all, Fultz is not just a former top pick—he’s only 26 years old and theoretically in the prime of his career. However, a closer look at his trajectory reveals why this situation, though surprising on the surface, may not be entirely unexpected.

Last season, the Orlando Magic made significant strides as a team. With young stars like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs leading the charge, the Magic returned to the playoffs for the first time in years. They put up a valiant fight against the Cleveland Cavaliers, pushing the series to seven games before bowing out. However, Markelle Fultz had little to do with this resurgence.

In the 2023-24 season, Fultz played in just 43 games, averaging 21.2 minutes per game. His stat line—7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists—represented career lows since joining the Magic. During the playoffs, his role diminished further, with playing time reduced to 15.1 minutes per game and averages of 6.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. This was a stark decline from the 2022-23 season, where he appeared in 60 games, logging 29.6 minutes per night and contributing 14.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

The drop in production was not entirely surprising given the Magic's roster transformation. Banchero and Wagner dominated the frontcourt, while Suggs, Cole Anthony, and rookie Anthony Black took control of the backcourt. Veteran Gary Harris remained a reliable presence. Fultz, once seen as a cornerstone, had become expendable.

His struggles on the court only compounded the issue. Fultz's efficiency plummeted, with shooting splits of 47.2% from the field, 22.2% from three, and 69.7% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage dropped to a dismal 49.2%, compared to 56.4% the previous season. As a player who already lacked shooting ability, such inefficiency further diminished his value.

Despite his flaws, Fultz possesses undeniable strengths. His physical gifts and basketball IQ—qualities that made him the No. 1 pick—remain intact. He has shown the ability to organize the offense and play solid defense, especially during his early days in Orlando. Unfortunately, these strengths have been overshadowed by glaring weaknesses, the most notable being his inability to shoot.

Shooting was once considered a hallmark of Fultz's game; in college, he shot 41.5% from beyond the arc. However, his shooting mechanics unraveled after a mysterious shoulder condition known as thoracic outlet syndrome. This condition effectively derailed his once-promising career, and Fultz has never recovered his shooting touch. During the 2022-23 season, he attempted only 87 three-pointers, making 31.0%. Last season, his three-point shooting fell to an abysmal 22.2% on just 18 attempts.

Compounding the issue is Fultz’s availability. Since joining the Magic, he has struggled with injuries, including an ACL tear in 2021. Over the past four seasons, he has appeared in only 8, 18, 60, and 43 games, respectively. On average, he has missed 47 games per season, making it difficult for any team to rely on him as a consistent contributor.

Given these factors, the Magic ultimately decided to move on from Fultz. This decision came after years of patience and investment. Orlando treated Fultz as a potential franchise cornerstone before the arrivals of Banchero and Wagner, even signing him to a three-year, $50 million extension in 2020. Unfortunately, Fultz failed to justify their faith.

As a free agent, Fultz has spent the entire offseason waiting for a new NBA opportunity, to no avail. While the lack of offers reflects the challenging free-agent market, it also underscores the league's doubts about his fit. Teams aiming for immediate success are unlikely to gamble on a player with no reliable jump shot or track record of durability. Meanwhile, rebuilding teams are hesitant to invest in a 26-year-old whose potential has already been questioned.

Now, with offers from the CBA, Fultz faces a crossroads in his career. Joining the CBA would likely provide financial stability, but it could also signal the end of his NBA aspirations. Historically, few players who make the jump to the CBA manage to return to the NBA, especially in roles of significance. Moreover, Fultz's profile doesn’t align perfectly with the typical foreign player sought by CBA teams, who often prioritize scoring ability and durability.

Reflecting on Fultz’s journey, it’s hard not to feel a sense of disappointment. From his dazzling college days to the struggles with his shoulder condition, his story has been one of unfulfilled promise. The infamous free-throw hitch that drew ridicule from fans and analysts alike became emblematic of his struggles. Many hoped he would silence his critics and realize his potential, but that moment has yet to arrive.

As the next chapter of his career unfolds, the focus shifts to the future. A return to the NBA is not out of the question, especially if injuries create roster vacancies later in the season. However, this would require Fultz to stay patient and maintain readiness. The CBA remains a viable option, but it could come with long-term consequences for his NBA prospects.

For now, the basketball world watches and hopes that the former No. 1 pick can find a path to success, whether in the NBA, the CBA, or another league. Markelle Fultz’s story is a reminder of the unpredictability of professional sports and the challenges that even the most talented players can face.