76ers point guard Markelle Fultz, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, will not be in Philadelphia’s starting lineup when the team opens its season Thursday (AEDT) at the Wizards, coach Brett Brown said Monday.
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Since a knee issue has kept Fultz out of most of the preseason — he’s seen action in just two games — the 76ers plan to bring him off the bench and ease him into the rotation, rather than letting him run the offense from the get-go.
Brown's plan is for Fultz to come off the bench to start the season. Pointed to the fact Fultz didn't played much in preseason.
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoNBCS) October 15, 2017
The Sixers have not said who will start at point guard, but Jerryd Bayless figures to get the nod, per a RotoWire report ( via CBS Sports ).
When a team selects a player with the first overall pick, usually the plan is to start him. While it’s reasonable for the Sixers to be taking their time with their potential future star, Philly fans will want to see him starting soon.
If Fultz is on bench for just a few games to get up to speed after missing games, fine. Anything else is objectively bad for the Sixers.
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) October 15, 2017
With Fultz coming off the bench, here’s what Philly’s starting five may look like Thursday in Washington: PG) Bayless, SG) JJ Redick, SF) Robert Covington, PF) Ben Simmons, C) Joel Embiid.
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