So much for the idea of not throwing a guy who has struggled with confidence into the fire of the playoff chase...
Philadelphia’s No. 1 pick last June Markelle Fultz will be active and play for the team against the Denver Nuggets Monday. Via Jessica Camerato of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Markelle Fultz will play tonight, Brett Brown just said. He will come off the bench.
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) March 26, 2018
Fultz’s playing time will be Simmons’ backup minutes.
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) March 26, 2018
Fultz will not be on a strict minutes limit, but Brown will watch him closely as the rookie tries to play his way into game shape.
Fultz played in four games for Philadelphia at the start of this season — you probably forgot that — and averaged six points a night in 19 minutes, but looked off with his shot. Fultz was taken out of the rotation deal with a shoulder injury, which had morphed into a concern about his shooting form and jump shot. Part of the issue was in Fultz’s head, and Brown said it was a matter of Fultz getting his confidence back.
Apparently, he has.
The Sixers certainly could use another shot creator off the bench, right now they rely on T.J. McConnell, and while he’s a solid reserve, he’s not near the potential of Fultz. How much of that potential Fultz can bring to the team now as he gets back into the flow remains to be seen, but he’s going to get his chance.