It has been approximately two weeks since the Philadelphia 76ers have acquired Jimmy Butler in a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves. And now, with 76ers roster adjusting to new roles and the team’s starting point guard (Fultz) suffering shoulder ailments, the Sixers overall number one pick in the 2017 NBA Draft in Markelle Fultz has stated that he would like to be traded from the franchise according to TheAthletic.
With Sixers’ head coach, Brett Brown, making the decision to sit Fultz late in games and adding the ball-dominant Jimmy Butler to their offensive schemes, starting fresh could be the best decision for the Sixers’ point guard. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski took to Twitter to reveal Fultz’s revelation and desire to want to part ways with the 76ers. Check out the Tweet below.
Markelle Fultz’s Struggles With Health & On-Court Performance
Markelle Fultz’s collegiate stint as a member of the Washington Huskies was among the most impressive of his draft class. In a total of 25 games, Fultz was able to rack up averages of 23.2 points per game on 47.6% shooting from the field and 41.3% shooting from behind the arc, 5.9 assists per game, and 5.7 rebounds per game.
Since entering the league, last season, Fultz has struggled immensely with both his health and on-court performance. In his rookie season, Fultz missed a total of 68 games due to injury and currently has career numbers of 7.7 points per game on 41.4% shooting from the field alongside 3.4 assists per game. These aren’t exactly great numbers for a sophomore number one overall pick.
Not to mention, Fultz has been riddled with injuries involving his shooting arm. Markelle’s current shoulder ailment has sidelined him once again and now, he’s even having trouble with his right wrist causing him to lose control of the ball. With his agent, Raymond Brothers, reporting that Fultz will be working diligently with specialists to properly aid and correct his injuries, Fultz has left the Sixers front office confused about his role with the Philadelphia ball club.
It appears that Fultz has been downtrodden with mental hurdles and his confidence has been broken since arriving on the professional hardwood. Whether it’s his mysterious injury history or his shot adjustments, things just aren’t working out for the point guard. Which makes us wonder if a change of scenery is exactly what he needs to become the ball player we all know he’s capable of being. Only time will tell.
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Markelle Fultz Demands Trade From Philadelphia 76ers