The Philadelphia 76ers are eager to put Markelle Fultz back in the rotation, but they’re not going to rush the rookie onto the floor.
According to Jessica Camerato of NBC Sports Philadelphia, head coach Brett Brown said Fultz simply isn’t ready to return.
“He’s not there yet. He’s just not there yet. Everything is moving forward, but it’s not anything that we’re going to rush. There needs to be a tremendous confidence level that he has and a health-related confidence that our medical people have.”
Brown added there is currently no timeline for Fultz’s return but commended the guard for his work ethic in the meantime.
Fultz appeared in Philly’s first four games of the campaign before the 76ers shut him down. A lingering shoulder problem had clearly been hampering Fultz, who was a reliable shooter in college yet refused to even attempt three-pointers this season.
He also looked completely uncomfortable and lacked confidence at the free-throw line, using an overhauled shooting form in order to limit pain on the injured shoulder. The result wasn’t worth the cost, so Philly finally committed to letting him rehab.
The Sixers have opened the season with a winning record thanks to Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, so they don’t need Fultz back immediately. Once he’s legitimately healthy, though, Philly will showcase the most promising young trio in the league.