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Philadelphia 76ers: 5 goals for Markelle Fultz’s rookie season

By Josh Cornelissen

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 08: Markelle Fultz
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 08: Markelle Fultz /
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BROOKLYN, NY – MARCH 28: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 28, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – MARCH 28: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 28, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Develop off-ball game alongside Ben Simmons

When Ben Simmons first became a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, the buzz around the No. 1 pick was what position he would play. With the playmaking skill of a point guard with the frame of a power forward, how would the team deploy its new star?

The point was rendered somewhat moot when Simmons went down with a foot injury that turned into a missed season. But head coach Brett Brown has said on multiple occasions that he plans to deploy Ben Simmons as a point guard on offense.

Enter Markelle Fultz, the best point guard in a draft class loaded with elite point guard talents. While any good offense can use two strong playmakers, Fultz is accustomed to having the ball in his hands most of the time. It will be adjustment for him.

That doesn’t mean he cannot adjust, as many of the best point guards in the league play with another dominant ball-handler. Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas, to name a few, spend time racing around the court off the ball.

Fultz will also have plenty of time to run the show himself as Simmons is eased back into basketball. Both will probably start, but there will be significant chunks of time with Fultz playing point and Simmons on the bench. Likewise, T.J. McConnell will play off of Simmons while Fultz is on the bench.

The natural balance will sort itself out as both Simmons and Fultz develop into their full potential. For now, their rookie seasons will serve as ball-sharing 101 as the two players figure it out. 

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