Philadelphia 76ers: 5 reasons Markelle Fultz was the right pick

4. Rave reviews

Just as prevalent as Fultz’s self-belief is the universal praise for the 6’4″, 19-year-old prodigy.

From scouts to analysts to coaches to players, the overall feeling is unanimous – Fultz is a can’t miss prospect.

Take it from ESPN College Analyst, Jay Bilas, one of the most respected voices on the college scene:

"“Markelle Fultz will fit with anyone. He is the most complete offensive player in the draft. Passes. Shoots. Shoots from range. Finishes around the basket. And he’s got NBA size and length for a point guard. He’s the best pick-and-roll ball handler in the draft. He can go either way. Excellent passer, and especially an excellent passer in pick-and-roll situations….he’s the real deal. You could put him next to anybody, and he’ll play.”"

Any sound-minded Sixers fan who reads this will be salivating at the prospect of Fultz arriving in Philadelphia. Bilas is essentially saying that Fultz ticks all the boxes for the modern-day NBA guard.

Then there is the detailed scouting report provided on the highly reputable Draft Express site. Containing a lengthy list of platitudes, here is a small excerpt of their evaluation:

"“Fultz has ideal physical tools for a point guard, standing 6’4 (possibly 6’5) in shoes with a massive 6’10 wingspan. He has big hands, a strong frame, and a shifty, herky-jerky style athlete who is quick off his feet and can play above the rim in space. Fultz is a tantalizingly gifted shot-creator, sporting an extraordinary combination of body control, ball-handling, footwork and pace. He changes speeds, directions and uses both hands innately, spinning off opponents, splitting ball-screens frequently, and finishing with euro-steps.”"

A significant further line from their report was the following:

"“As good as Fultz is on the ball, he also has significant potential operating alongside another ball-handler with his excellent size, length and frame, giving his future NBA coach plenty of lineup flexibility.”"

In a nutshell, most observers are describing Fultz as the total package on the offensive end, with next to no flaws in his arsenal. Playing alongside Simmons in the backcourt, his ability to also play off the ball and still be able to contribute is yet another feather in his cap.

Then there are the current players who can’t help but be impressed.

Fellow University of Washington alum, All-Star Isaiah Thomas, was one:

"“He’s special. He’s got the full package.”"

Furthermore, an unnamed player remarked:

"“People don’t realize it because they didn’t get to watch him as much this year. I don’t want to say he’s a Russ-level athlete, but he’s closer to that than not. If he went to the combine, which I’m not sure he’d ever have a reason to, but if he went, he’d test off the charts. He’s just a f—ing freak.”"

And these are just SOME of the reviews that have been recorded over the past six months.

Granted, there is no such thing as a sure thing.

Having said that though, president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo and his staff should be commended for throwing caution to the wind and grabbing the chance to select such a prestigious talent.