Markelle Fultz hasn’t played since October, but the Philadelphia 76ers may get their 2017 first-round pick back on the court soon.
Mike O’Connor of The Athletic notes Sixers general manager Bryan Colangelo said while there is no set date for a return, Fultz’s shoulder has improved significantly and a return is nearing.
“The soreness is completely gone. The muscle imbalance is completely gone.”
The Sixers recently said they weren’t going to rush Fultz back, so the latest comment is an encouraging step in the right direction.
Although the promising duo of rising star Joel Embiid and rookie Ben Simmons has propelled Philly to a 13-11 record — including 12-8 without the injured guard — a healthy Fultz bolsters the backcourt.
And the NBA hasn’t seen that version of him yet.
Fultz appeared in four games to start the season, but a shoulder injury severely reduced his effectiveness. Not only was his shooting form all sorts of messed up and confidence shattered, Fultz flat-out refused to attempt open jumpers when given the chance.
That’s not the player we saw at Washington.
Hopefully, a couple of months away from the NBA spotlight will have allowed the shoulder to fully recovery and Fultz to regain his stroke. If that’s the case, one of the league’s most enjoyable teams to watch will soon be a little more entertaining.