‘Dogs mean everything' to Markelle Fultz

Share

There is no denying Markelle Fultz’s love for basketball. After missing 68 games because of a right shoulder injury, he wanted to be back on the court.

There is another place, though, that brings him happiness.

At home … with his dogs.

“My dogs mean everything to me,” Fultz said.

Meet 1-year-old Ghost and 4-month-old Killer, Fultz’s two pitbulls.

Fultz never had a dog growing up. He always wanted one, though, and got his first right around the time he declared for the NBA draft. Fultz doubled the puppy fun months later by taking in another dog that was under his brother’s care.

“As soon as I had the opportunity to get one, that was my chance,” he recalled.

Fultz described his dogs as having “a big role” in his life. Just how big?

“I think for me, the emotional standpoint and the stuff I’ve been through, I think they’ve definitely been a release of stress and a release of everything,” Fultz said. “They’re always happy to see me. No matter how I’m feeling that day, if I go home and see my dogs, I feel great.”

Fultz was sidelined for 154 long days. The 2017 No. 1 pick always knew he was returning to a pair of pups with unconditional support.

“Coming home and opening up that door and seeing your dog run to you, want to lick you, want to jump on you, it just brings a different joy,” Fultz said. “Just like I’m pretty sure when parents used to come home and just know they get to see their kid and they haven’t seen them all day, it just brings a little joy to you. Every time I see them, it brings a smile to my face and I just want to have fun with them.”

Fultz's dogs have endless energy and love to run around outside all day. Yet owning two pets is not all fun and games for a 19-year-old. There is a level of accountability that comes along with it.

“It definitely teaches teamwork because my mom helps me out, my brother helps me out,” Fultz said. “Little things like that, picking up after your dog, cleaning up after them, it definitely teaches you responsibility.”

Fultz ultimately would like to own a kennel one day with the vision of taking care of as many dogs possible. For now, the Sixers guard is getting a major assist from the affection he receives from Ghost and Killer.

Contact Us