Former No. 1 overall draft pick Markelle Fultz has yet to play a minute for the Orlando Magic since his trade from the 76ers in February, but the Magic are making a sizable bet that Fultz will be able to fully recover from his mysterious maladies and regain the superstar college form that made him such a coveted prospect.
Earlier this month, the Magic exercised a fourth-year option on Fultz that will run though the 2020-21 season. The Magic could have waited to see how Fultz progresses this coming season, but are now on the hook for $12.3 million in the 2020 season.
It’s a small price to pay if Fultz becomes a regular contributor in Orlando – and he’s still only 21 years old – but his history of injuries and and inconsistent on-court performances are troubling. Fultz has played a total of just 33 games in two seasons as he’s dealt with a shoulder injury that wreaked havoc on his shooting form.
On Wednesday, the Magic provided an update on Fultz’s condition in the form of a hype video. In the video, Fultz hits free-throws without pump faking, and drills shots from behind the arc – but his form still looks a bit strange, especially when compared to his college highlights.
The Magic say Fultz is cleared for full participation in camp next week, which means he should be a part of the rotation when the regular season begins.
