When will Fultz return?
Now that’s the question that has long been on the lips of Philadelphia 76ers fans.
It’s been a very inconsistent season so far for Markelle Fultz. Out for the majority of it with a shoulder injury, aside from it being a frustrating start for him it’s also been a frustrating start for the fans as well. Excited to see their number one draft pick back at point and commanding the floor like he did in college when he was playing with the Washington Huskies, some conspiracy theorists are even saying this should have already taken place and that his injury is a fake.
Currently in London as they prepare to face off against Eastern Conference leaders, the Boston Celtics, at The O2 tonight, the 76ers have been busy practising in the nation’s capital while also meeting fans and taking part in various other activities. One such activity was a signing hosted by Tissot at their boutique store on Oxford Street – as Tissot is the official watch of the NBA – and JOE were invited along for an exclusive chat with Markelle Fultz.
So what do you think the first question we asked was? That’s right, aimed at Markelle we needed to know if he was going to be playing in the London game versus Boston, especially as he’d been practicing with the team all week.
“I haven’t made that decision yet,” said Fultz. “I just take it day by day.” Continuing to grill him about his injury and his return to the team, we asked number 20 when we can expect him back if it’s not going to be in the London game against Boston. “When I’m fully healthy and I feel it’s the right time,” he replies.
The young rookie’s shoulder injury has caused his shot to be a little on the unconventional side this season, which has had fans and local Sixers press obsessed with talking about it and criticising its motion. But why are they so obsessed with it? Surely this is proof that he is dealing with an injury and he’s doing his best to work through it?
“I guess that’s the problem we had earlier this season,” Markelle Fultz said when discussing his now abstract shot and the way in which fans have responded to it. “My shoulder injury has made me play in a different way so I guess that’s what they see.”
The crop of NBA rookies this year has been phenomenal. From fellow Sixer Ben Simmons to Boston’s Jayson Tatum, the quality of the pool hasn’t been this good for quite some time. Then there’s Lonzo Ball. One of the most talked about rookies since Lebron James entered the league in 2003, he’s a very talented player with a high basketball IQ and some of the most dazzling passing in the game. But he’s not all the way there yet. His lack of consistent attacking play may be the result of his father’s big mouth writing cheques that he has to cash. So what type pressure does Fultz play with?
“I just have to deal with my family, myself, and my team mates. So I don’t really feel like there’s a lot of pressure. There’s just a mindset you’ve got to have and a confidence you’ve got to have coming in to the league.”
“And one other thing,” ha adds. “Enjoy it. That’s what you’ve gotta do. You’ve gotta have fun doing it too.”
The Philadelphia 76ers host the Boston Celtics at The O2 in London on Jan 11th as part of NBA London Game 2018. The game is live on BT Sport or via NBA LEAGUE PASS.
