Magic Guard Gary Harris on Markelle Fultz: 'He Was a No. 1 Pick For a Reason'
There was a moment in time where Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz discussed as of the biggest bust in NBA history.
But anytime the former No. 1 pick is healthy and on the court, it's easy to see why the Philadelphia 76ers saw in him entering the 2017 NBA Draft.
"He was a No. 1 pick for a reason," Magic guard Gary Harris said on the Club 520 Podcast. "He's up there with [Nikola Jokic] with his passing and feel, Markelle is such a selfless player too. He's literally just getting guys involved and just putting pressure on the defense, he's doing whatever the team asks and do it with a smile on his face every time."
Over his first two career seasons in Philadelphia, Fultz was limited to just 33 games while averaging a mere 7.7 points and 3.4 assists.
And as players selected after him such as Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (No. 3). Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (No. 13) and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (No. 14), began emerging as young stars, Fultz was an afterthought in that talented class.
However, coming off a year where he posted career-highs in points (14.0), assists (5.7), steals (1.5) and three point percentage (31.0), Fultz showed just how valuable he can be on the court.
"The way [Fultz] moves on the court is so awkward and just so fluid at the same time," Harris said. "He's special, and he been knocking down his shot...Markelle is gonna have a crazy year this year, and I think people are gonna realize that he was the No. 1 pick for a reason."
Now heading into the year with a fully guaranteed contract, the sixth-year guard looks to replicate last season's production.
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