Even to believers in The Process, a major knock against the 76ers is the lack of a reliable outside shooter. While many around the organization see Markelle Fultz, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, as a potential solution to that issue, Fultz may not play again this season.
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In remarks that contradict the opinion expressed recently by coach Brett Brown, 76ers president Bryan Colangelo acknowledged Saturday (AEDT) that Fultz may be sidelined for the rest of the season.
“There always a chance that he’s going to be out there soon, and there’s a chance that’s he not going to play this year,” Colangelo said, per Philly.com . “ I can’t answer that question, because we don’t know the answer to that.”
Brown had said he expected Fultz, who has missed all but four games this season with what the team has called right shoulder soreness and muscle imbalance, to be back in the lineup at some point. But Fultz is having to relearn how to shoot a basketball, and has some mental hurdles to clear before he rediscovers that part of his game – not something fans want to hear about a player who’s known as a shooter.
“Mental preparedness and overcoming an injury is part of any athlete, especially an elite athlete, overcoming a debilitating injury,” Colangelo said. “It’s been proven in studies that is a big component.”
Colangelo added, “But overall, I think he’s making great strides in every capacity. We are going to see a better Markelle Fultz because of it.”
Sixers fans, though, may have to wait until next season for that thought to prove prophetic.