Training camp is about to begin to every team in the NBA, including the Milwaukee Bucks. Before that happens, the franchise may consider signing Markelle Fultz to see if he has any potential for the team.
After a standout high school and college career, Fultz was selected with the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He quickly made an impression in the NBA, averaging 12.2 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game during his rookie season. However, his career took an unexpected turn the following season when he began experiencing an unusual shoulder injury called thoracic outlet syndrome.
The injury prevented Fultz from being able to shoot effectively, and he played in just 19 games for the 76ers in 2018-19 before being traded to the Orlando Magic. In Orlando, Fultz worked tirelessly to rehabilitate his shoulder and regain his shooting touch. He showed flashes of his potential in the 2019-20 season, averaging 12.1 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game.
Over the next few seasons, Fultz continued to make progress, and in 2022-23 he had his best NBA campaign yet, posting career-highs in points (15.9 per game), assists (6.3), and rebounds (4.6). However, the injury early in his career has led many to consider Fultz a draft bust, as he has yet to fully live up to the immense potential he displayed in college.
Point Guard Markelle Fultz Named as Potential Training Camp Target For Milwaukee Bucks
With his contract in Orlando now done, Fultz is in need of a new team to play for. According to an NBA analysis by Dalton Sell for Behind the Buck Pass, the former Magic guard may find that opportunity via a training camp invite from the Bucks.
“Bringing Fultz to camp would allow the Milwaukee Bucks to get a closer look at a defensive-minded guard who can also handle the ball. As highlighted time and time again in this article, the Bucks are always hungry for more defense, so examining a strong defender in the backcourt would be a wise move as they fill out their camp roster,” Sell wrote.
Last season, Fultz averaged 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 43 games for the Magic. While he shot 47 percent from the field, his 22 percent success rate from downtown may be a turn-off for teams in need of a guard.
Now 26 years old, Fultz remains a free agent as he looks to continue his NBA career and prove the doubters wrong. If he can stay healthy, there is still hope that he can fulfill his promise and contribute for a team like the Bucks.
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