What does success seem like for a participant that’s already been labeled a bust?
In terms of Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz, the reply is sophisticated.
The previous No. 1 general choose could by no means dwell as much as the hype that surrounded him when he entered the league in 2017, however that isn’t stopping him from quietly bettering whereas the remainder of the NBA forgets about him.
Fultz is within the midst of a profession 12 months.
He’s averaging 12.5 factors, 5.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per sport on incredible effectivity (50.2 p.c capturing from the sector and 37.1 p.c from deep).
Markelle Fultz is enjoying the perfect basketball of his profession proper now. pic.twitter.com/mRS6Vi8Pyz
— Hilltop Hoops (@HilltopNBA) January 13, 2023
It’s clear how vital the College of Washington product is to Orlando’s success, because the workforce is 5-16 when he doesn’t play this season and 12-13 when he does.
Due to accidents, Fultz has solely performed in 156 common season video games within the NBA.
That’s…lower than two seasons’ value of video games.
He’s basically a sophomore (or borderline junior) on the NBA degree from an expertise perspective, and he’s nonetheless simply 24 years previous.
He appears to have discovered a pleasant residence with the Magic, they usually’re definitely completely happy to have him.
So, what does success seem like for Fultz?
The reply to that query could change often as he continues to develop on the NBA degree.
This season, maybe success means staying wholesome and persevering with to be a key contributor for Orlando.
Subsequent season, success might come within the type of one other small leap, like a scoring enhance whereas remaining environment friendly.
Huge image, All-Star picks and different accolades could come, however followers should be affected person.
Simply have a look at Andrew Wiggins, a former No. 1 general choose who wanted eight seasons on the NBA degree to be named an All-Star.
Fultz, regardless of technically being in his sixth NBA season, has performed in roughly 27 p.c as many profession video games as Wiggins did earlier than changing into an All-Star.
It’s not too late for Fultz.
With the season he’s having, it’s protected to say that he’s simply getting began.
