The Only "Bust" Among Top Pick Guards? Markelle Fultz Struggles with Consistency After 7 Seasons

Over the past few decades, the NBA has seen its fair share of top draft picks who failed to live up to expectations, commonly referred to as "busts." However, among these, top pick guards have always seemed to avoid this label, producing legends such as Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, and Allen Iverson. Even Derrick Rose, who struggled with injuries later in his career, was an MVP-caliber player at his peak. John Wall, despite a lack of major accolades, has career averages of 19+ points and 9 assists, a rare feat in NBA history. Yet now, this long-standing trend might be broken by the 2017 number one overall pick, Markelle Fultz.

For many, memories of Fultz are dominated by his struggles with the mysterious shoulder condition known as "scapular muscle imbalance." After being traded by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, Fultz faded from the spotlight, almost disappearing from the NBA landscape. Orlando, not a team frequently in the spotlight since losing Dwight Howard, became Fultz's new home. For Fultz, joining the Magic was a golden opportunity for redemption, but it has been a challenging road.

As a top pick, Fultz's talent was undeniable. Standing 6'4" with a 6'10" wingspan, he possessed remarkable speed and jumping ability, giving him an edge as a point guard. Even as a freshman in college, he showcased his potential. In a game against Colorado, he recorded 37 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. It was performances like these that made him a lock for the number one pick. The 76ers, eager to secure his talents, traded up to get him, giving up a future first-round pick in the process.

However, things did not go as planned for Philadelphia. In nearly two years with the team, Fultz failed to show even a fraction of his talent, averaging just 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game with a low efficiency. His shooting, particularly from three-point range, was abysmal. Such underperformance was a significant burden for a 76ers team with championship aspirations.

Orlando was Fultz's second chance, and to their credit, the Magic showed great patience and support. They immediately placed him in the starting lineup, giving him playing time, ball-handling duties, and integrating him into their strategies. Even when injuries struck, the Magic continued to wait for Fultz, consistently placing him back into the starting lineup upon his return. During the 2022-23 season, Fultz showed some improvement, averaging 14 points and 5 assists per game with an overall shooting percentage above 50%. While this still fell short of external expectations, it was a significant step forward for Fultz, proving he could be a capable starter.

Just when the Magic seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, believing they had salvaged a top pick, Fultz's performance regressed. This season, his play has been nothing short of disappointing. His averages dropped to 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, with noticeable declines on both ends of the floor. In contrast, rookie Jalen Suggs has steadily improved, becoming more reliable defensively and shooting 39.2% from three-point range. With Suggs' emergence, the Magic secured the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, making it clear that Suggs will likely be their starting point guard for the foreseeable future. Fultz, meanwhile, is left to compete with Cole Anthony for the top backup role.

As the offseason approaches, Fultz's contract is set to expire. Given his current performance, the likelihood of securing a renewal is slim. Other teams may also hesitate to take a chance on him, considering his offensive struggles, below-average shooting, and playmaking abilities. Additionally, his injury history is a significant concern. Over his seven-year career, Fultz has only played more than 60 games twice, and he appeared in just 26 games combined during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.

Comparing Fultz to his 2017 draft classmate Jayson Tatum highlights the stark difference in their career trajectories. Tatum has become a cornerstone for the Boston Celtics, helping lead the team deep into the playoffs and vying for a championship. Meanwhile, the number one pick, Fultz, is left uncertain about his next career step.

Markelle Fultz's story is a sobering reminder that even top draft picks, brimming with potential, can struggle to find their footing in the NBA. Despite his physical attributes and flashes of brilliance in college, Fultz has not lived up to the lofty expectations placed upon him as a number one overall pick. His journey has been marred by injuries and inconsistency, raising questions about his future in the league.

Orlando provided a sanctuary for Fultz, offering him the support and opportunities to revive his career. Yet, the flashes of potential have been fleeting. His initial improvement in the 2022-23 season showed promise, but the subsequent regression highlights the volatility that has defined his professional career. The patience and investment from the Magic have not yielded the expected returns, leaving both Fultz and the franchise at a crossroads.

The reality of professional sports is harsh, and the NBA is particularly unforgiving. Top picks are expected to become franchise players, altering the course of their teams' fortunes. Fultz's journey serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating that potential and physical gifts do not always translate into sustained success at the highest level.

As Fultz enters free agency, his future in the NBA is uncertain. Teams might be wary of investing in a player with such a tumultuous track record, especially when consistent performance and reliability are paramount. Fultz's offensive deficiencies and injury history are significant deterrents, making it challenging for him to secure a substantial contract or a prominent role on a new team.

The contrast with his peers from the 2017 draft class is stark. While Jayson Tatum has thrived, becoming a pivotal figure in the Celtics' quest for a championship, Fultz has struggled to find stability. This divergence underscores the unpredictability of player development and the myriad factors that influence a player's career trajectory.

In conclusion, Markelle Fultz's career thus far has been a series of ups and downs, marked by unfulfilled potential and persistent challenges. His journey from a highly touted number one pick to a player fighting for his place in the league is a poignant reminder of the NBA's competitive nature and the thin line between success and obscurity. As he navigates the next phase of his career, Fultz must confront these realities, striving to redefine his narrative in the league. Whether he can overcome these obstacles and realize his potential remains to be seen, but his story will undoubtedly continue to intrigue and inspire.