The Magic announced Markelle Fultz is cleared for full participation in training camp next week after missing most of last season with a shoulder injury. Along with the announcement, they released a hype video, expressing full confidence the young guard will return to form.
The video featured Fultz hitting free throws and shooting from behind the arc, and was accompanied by the caption, "In case you were wondering what Markelle's been up to..."
In case you were wondering what Markelle's been up to... pic.twitter.com/3RE39oLN51
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 25, 2019
Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman told reporters Fultz will not have any restrictions when training camp opens Tuesday.
"Obviously, he hasn't been through this in a long time and it's new terrain, but for now there are no restrictions," Weltman said Wednesday (per the team's official site).
Another video of @OrlandoMagic PG Markelle Fultz — this time drilling a corner 3 — getting up shots at today’s optional workout. pic.twitter.com/Tk6p0Gshth
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) September 25, 2019
Fultz has yet to play a game for Orlando after the team acquired him from the 76ers in early February because he was recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome. He began his career with high expectations after he was selected by the 76ers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft, but injuries and a hitch in his jump shot over the last two seasons limited him to 33 total games.
"I'm basically still a rookie. But at the same time, my mental, my body and my willingness to be coachable is more than enough," Fultz told reporters Wednesday. "That's going to do its job for me. I was the No. 1 pick and that says enough."
Fultz said he's grateful for the amount of support the Magic have given him during his recovery.
"It was huge," Fultz said. "When I first got traded (to Orlando) I didn’t know what to expect. But as soon as I got here, I could tell the different energy that they were showing me & the love they were showing me.
"As time went on, the trust that they showed me, and they saw my hard work, it grew more and more. So, like I said, I thank them for this opportunity and I just hope to continue to work as hard as I can."
Orlando picked up Fultz's fourth-year option earlier this month that will run through the 2020-21.