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Philadelphia 76ers: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 NBA season

By Simon Smith

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 7: Dario Saric #9, Joel Embiid #21, and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on May 7, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 7: Dario Saric #9, Joel Embiid #21, and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on May 7, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

4. Markelle Fultz‘s upcoming summer is vital for the Sixers

Without a doubt, the Markelle Fultz drama that engulfed the majority of the season was one of the more bizarre episodes of NBA drama in recent years. It was virtually unprecedented, to have the No. 1 overall pick of the draft change the mechanics of his jump shot in the lead-up to the season, and incur an injury as a result, and it was something the Sixers simply couldn’t have forecast.

The resulting 68-game absence obviously diminished any chance Fultz had of making an impact through the course of the year. However, in the brief appearances he made in the latter part of the season, Fultz demonstrated exactly why he could be a missing piece for the Sixers moving forward.

Put simply, aside from Simmons, the Sixers had very little other creative options off the dribble. Assuming J.J. Redick returns as the starting shooting guard, Fultz will be able to develop and flourish as a sixth man in a potent, three-man backcourt alignment. However, this summer is going to be vital.

At his season ending exit interview, Fultz outlined what he hopes to achieve in the offseason:

"“My offseason looks like a lot of reps in the gym, just doing everything from conditioning, basketball workouts. I’m not really sure where I’m going to be at yet, just in the gym grinding, then off the court just my eating habits and getting my body right.”"

Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind with Fultz is his outside shot. Over his 14 regular season games, just 31 of 111 total field goal attempts came from outside of nine feet from the rim, with just a solitary attempt from 3-point range. From these attempts, he converted at a 32.3 percent clip.

While he shot at a commendable 55.6 percent clip within five feet of the rim, converting from the perimeter will simply provide tremendous value for both the team and Fultz’s game as a whole.

Considering the contrast in how Fultz’s season fared compared to the player the Sixers’ overlooked following their trade with the Boston Celtics to acquire the No. 1 overall pick, the following quote will certainly be heartening for both Fultz and Sixers fans alike:

Now it’s simply a matter of seeing just how quickly Fultz can develop his considerable talents before taking to the court next season.