NBA: Ranking all 30 starting point guards for 2017-18

26. Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia 76ers

A little low for the No. 1 pick of the 2017 NBA Draft? Perhaps. But given some up-and-down preseason performances, a couple of minor injuries and the fact that he won’t even be functioning as a true point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, Markelle Fultz‘s stock takes a hit here.

With Ben Simmons filling the point forward role, Fultz will spend more time off the ball than orchestrating the offense. That’s perfectly fine given his scoring ability and 3-point accuracy, but he’s probably going to be the third or fourth option on offense — and that’s assuming the veteran Jerryd Bayless doesn’t prove to be a steadier option compared to the rookie.

Fultz has superstar potential, but his rookie season will face way less pressure with all the focus being on Simmons on Joel Embiid staying healthy first and foremost. Having the reputation of being a first overall pick with none of the pressure could easily mean his rookie year is not as memorable as it might have been otherwise.