Former No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz reflects on time with 76ers in return to Philadelphia

Markelle Fultz didn't have the most productive time with the Philadelphia 76ers. 

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft had a target on his back after the Sixers moved up from No. 3 to No. 1 after a trade with the Boston Celtics. The idea was Fultz would join Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons at the time to form a Big 3 and compete for a title.

Instead, Fultz dealt with adversity. The Washington product played just 14 games in his rookie season due to a shoulder injury. He was a starter on opening night in his second season but played just 19 games due to another shoulder injury.

There were rumblings Fultz had the "yips" among other rumors — and after just 33 games with the Sixers, he was sent to the Orlando Magic at the 2019 trade deadline.

Fultz is set to play in his first game back in Philadelphia since the deal Monday night. He has dealt with more injuries in Orlando and he opened up on his time with the Sixers and his emotions walking into the Wells Fargo Center.

Does Fultz have any emotions returning to Philadelphia?

“I think the last time I actually made myself to the arena since I’ve been traded was — I wasn’t playing, I was on the bench. But always fun to come back here. The fans are one of a kind here. So just the atmosphere here and the experience of being drafted here, it’s definitely going to be fun to be able to step on the court and play tonight (Monday).”

Does Fultz still talk to Embiid?

“We talk every once in a while. It’s not like an everyday basis, but we have a lot of love for each other. Since I got here, I jumped on FaceTime and we were just talking a little bit of trash to each other and just talking a little bit, but I still talk to most of the guys here and there. Some of the staff, too, as well. Every time we see each other we always talk so again, we have those relationships that last a lifetime that I made here in Philly and throughout the seasons of me being here. I definitely have a number of people that I talk to.”

How would Fultz describe his time with the Sixers?

“Amazing. They drafted me here and they supported me through everything. Of course, I wish I could have done more, but going through injuries and everything that happened here, I still think it was a very dope experience as far as just the camaraderie and being on the team that we had here. Very talented guys and again, meeting the people that I had the chance to meet so I think it was a positive thing. Everything happens for a reason. I’m a firm believer in that. So again, I’m very thankful for everything that you know Philly has done for me.”

How does Fultz feel with the Magic?

“I feel amazing, man. I still feel like I have a lot to improve on and a lot to work on, but again, I’m really enjoying this process of just waking up every day and enjoying it and being able to play the game I love and have fun doing it. I think the biggest thing is that I’m out there just competing and having fun and I’m really enjoying the process of just getting better every day.”

Did Fultz need the trade to Orlando to be productive?

“Not necessarily. I just think it was a matter of timing just getting healthy really. Again, everything happens for a reason and I feel like I can bring value to any team that I’m on. It just happened to be that I got traded from Philly and got a new opportunity. So of course, I’m thankful for the opportunity. It definitely opened up a new pathway and new people and new every day. I think it was just a matter of me getting healthy when I was there, but I’m definitely grateful for the new opportunity and I’m thankful.”

How does Fultz remember his time in Philadelphia?

“Just trying to get that grind to get back on the court, but me personally I felt a lot of love. Just from the fans, from my teammates, people like that. You obviously always have those few fans and people that are doubting and hating and want other things to go on, but for the most part, everybody just wanted success, really. So whatever we had to do to get that, it was that that was being done but again, my teammates did a great job of supporting me and I did a good job of just trying to get back on court.”