Markelle Fultz has been through the ringer in his NBA career. His injury woes have contributed to some embarrassing shooting woes, and now we know why.
As reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN Tuesday, Fultz’s agent says he’s been “diagnosed with Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, (TOS), a physical injury that affects nerves between the neck and shoulders.”
It also has led to to “severely limiting Markelle’s ability to shoot a basketball,” and is treatable by physical therapy, according to Raymond Brothers.
Clarification: “…thus severely limiting Markelle’s ability to shoot a basketball. TOS is treatable by physical therapy.”
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 4, 2018
This explains a lot. Fultz has been unable to play much at all since being selected No. 1 overall in 2017. Since then, he’s appeared in just 33 games, averaging 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
It’s unknown what the future holds for the 20-year-old in Philadelphia. He’s been at odds with the team over this latest injury. Hopefully now that he has a diagnosis things might improve on that front, though this isn’t an easy injury to recover from, as many MLB pitchers can attest.
Wow. There are several MLB pitchers that have had to deal with some form of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and, in most cases, it hampered their careers. Guys like Tyson Ross, Matt Harvey, Jaime Garcia, etc. I hope Fultz is able to make a full recovery. https://t.co/CG09H9sdap
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) December 4, 2018