Joel Embiid Believes 76ers Gave Up on Markelle Fultz ‘Too Early’

Former Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz has been doing well with his clean slate as a member of the Orlando Magic. Although injuries have affected Fultz on several occasions since he was dealt by the Sixers in 2019, it’s clear the young veteran has a place in the NBA despite the doubts surrounding him early on.

Considering all the drama that Fultz and the Sixers dealt with during his short amount of time in Philadelphia, it’s truly unclear whether or not the partnership would’ve worked out at some point later on down the line.

The Sixers more than likely made the right decision to trade Fultz when they did, considering everything that transpired since they drafted him in 2017. However, Philadelphia’s All-Star center Joel Embiid still believes the Sixers cut the cord too early.

“I’ve always been a big fan of him,” Embiid said on Monday night after facing Fultz in Philly for the first time. “I talk to him. When we did trade him, I was disappointed because I felt like we had given up on him too early. Even back then, even without a jump shot, I still thought he was an amazing talent just because it’s so quick. He’s a good playmaker. He gets guys easy shots. There’s a reason why they’re a good team.”

In Orlando, Fultz had the opportunity to take time off, reset mentally, and get healthy ahead of his debut season. Without the pressure of playing for a championship team, Fultz could learn the ropes of the NBA on a young, up-and-coming team on the Magic.

Now in year four with the Magic, Fultz has started in 101 of 128 games. Spending 27 minutes on the court, Fultz has averaged 12 points, five assists, and three rebounds throughout his time with the Magic so far. Not only did he secure an extension, but Fultz has also helped the Magic look like a much better team than what their record indicates since he got healthy, as Embiid recently pointed out.

“Obviously, they drafted a great rookie who’s gonna be a really good player in this league,” Embiid said, pointing to Paolo Banchero. “But I think everything runs through Markelle. They’re better than what their record says, and they wouldn’t be there without the impact that he has.”

Teammates or not, Embiid and Fultz both confirmed they remain close in 2023. While their on-court partnership didn’t expand past 24 games, both players are happy about their former teammate’s growth in the NBA.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.