End of the Line? Why a recent No. 1 pick's baffling career may already be over

Free agent point guard Markelle Fultz, who most recently played for the Orlando Magic, is still waiting to be signed. Fultz remains unsigned heading into early September when teams normally shift away from free agency and to the beginning of training camp. If he doesn't get signed by then, it could be the end of one of the most baffling careers in recent memory.

Fultz was drafted first overall in 2017 by the Philadelphia 76ers after averaging a terrific 23.2 points and 5.7 assists while shooting 41.3% on five threes per game at Washington. However, they traded up to acquire the first pick, turning up a chance to draft Jayson Tatum to do so.

Worse yet, Fultz played just 33 games in two seasons with the Sixers after injury setback after injury setback that seemingly made him forget how to shoot. Nevertheless, he was given a second chance in Orlando and played well there over the last five seasons, averaging 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals in just 26.2 minutes per game.

Is Markelle Fultz's NBA career already over?

At the moment, it doesn't look good for Fultz, though teams always need playmaking help at some point during the season. Odds are that he will get a shot during the season if and when a team has an injury at point guard, particularly since he could probably be had for the minimum.

Even so, he may not get much more time to show what he can do. After all, he is a capable defender and passer but his career 3-point shooting percentage is just 27.4% on 1.2 attempts per game. Whether as a starter or a backup, having a point guard who can't shoot from outside is an awkward fit.

To his credit, he has shot efficiently from inside the arc over the last few seasons. Unfortunately, that may not be enough for Fultz to carve out a long career.