1. Markelle Fultz emerges as a legitimate star
One of the greatest mysteries in recent years seems ready to be placed in the background.
Following a tumultuous rookie season in which he played in just 14 games due to a combination of physical and psychological issues, Markelle Fultz finally looks set to make the impact expected of a No. 1 overall pick.
https://twitter.com/MarkelleF/status/1042938761598984192
Following a summer of intense workouts, largely under the supervision of renowned shooting coach Drew Hanlen, Fultz enters the season brimming with confidence. At a recent meeting with local reporters, coach Brown gave a detailed account of the work Fultz has put in this offseason:
Long answer from Brett Brown on Markelle Fultz.
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) September 18, 2018
He says that Fultz took 150,000 shots this summer, form isn’t all the way consistent but that he’s back to seeking out shots. pic.twitter.com/8fbVRe3ZaU
Among many things, Brown stated that Fultz regaining his overall swagger and cockiness was possibly the greatest attribute he will bring to the table this season.
Shortly after these comments from Brown, an interview with Fultz, accompanied by footage of his remodeled jump shot, was released on The Players’ Tribune:
.@MarkelleF on the jump shot everyone is talking about.
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) September 20, 2018
Full video: https://t.co/ernhVIOxR1 pic.twitter.com/yfOubR4LLP
In addition to the form of his new jump shot was the confidence with which Fultz spoke. Among other things, the 20-year-old noted:
"“….everything’s back to even better than what it was. Sixers fans are going to get someone who’s going to come in and play hard. I think I’m going to be that guy that’s going to be able to create shots for his himself and his teammates. I mean, that guy at the end of a game when you need a bucket you really don’t need to call a play. I want to be special when I come back.”"
With the existing starting five likely set for opening night, this presents Fultz with the chance to find his feet as an explosive option coming off the bench. Following the loss of Marco Belinelli to free agency, the 76ers are desperately in need of a genuine presence and shot creator in the second unit.
Given his immense talent and a renewed self-confidence following a summer of rigorous work, there’s no reason Fultz can’t become an additional weapon for the Sixers, and in the process become a legitimate emerging star in the league.