Magic's Markelle Fultz Remains Close With Joel Embiid

Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz has a fan in Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. That’s been the case since Fultz came out of Washington as the consensus first pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Although it seemed Fultz was going to be on his way to join the Boston Celtics, who originally held the No. 1 overall pick that year, the Celtics’ confidence in landing Jayson Tatum at No. 3 allowed the Sixers to successfully swap picks so they could trade up to land Fultz.

Embiid couldn’t wait to share the court with Fultz. As the thriving freshman transitioned from the NCAA to the NBA, he revealed that Embiid was constantly in communication with him. While Fultz and Embiid built a close relationship during Fultz’s rookie season in Philadelphia, the former first pick’s time in the City of Brotherly Love was short-lived.

In year one, Fultz spent 14 games on the court for the Sixers. In year two, he started in 15 matchups, appearing in a total of 19 games. As a mysterious shoulder injury and plenty of behind-the-scenes drama affected Fultz’s game, he went from playing in 19-straight games to going inactive for over two months. Eventually, Fultz was dealt to the Orlando Magic, where could get a fresh start.

Fast forward a few years later, and Fultz was back to playing at the Wells Fargo Center once again, but as a member of the Magic. While Monday’s game between the Magic and Sixers didn’t mark the first time Fultz faced his former teammate Joel Embiid, it was the first time Fultz faced the Sixers in Philadelphia.

After the game, Fultz recalled his time with the Sixers, mentioning nothing but positive memories. And although he didn’t get the most favorable reaction from the crowd upon his return, he described his reunion as “amazing.” In addition, Fultz touched on his relationship with Embiid.

“He’s an unbelievable player — an unbelievable guy.,” Fultz said regarding Embiid. “Our relationship is still pretty close. We don’t talk as much on a daily basis, but we always talk when we see each other and get our little trash talk in, and just compete against each other. Joel’s like a big brother to me. I know he has a family now. I do as well. We talk about our kids a little bit. I just root for him from afar, and he does the same for me.”

When Fultz played for the Sixers, Embiid was still establishing himself as an All-Star in the NBA. These days, he’s on the path to becoming a six-time All-Star while remaining relevant in the MVP conversation for the third-straight season.

While a lot has changed since Fultz shared the court with Embiid, the young veteran made it clear that nothing about Embiid’s success in the league has surprised him.

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