Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Markelle Fultz 'Catapult' for Rising Magic
ORLANDO - Over the past two months of the season, Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz has looked like a former No. 1 draft pick.
After being drafted with in 2017 by the Philadelphia 76ers, various different injuries limited the top pick to an average of just 26 games per year over his first five seasons.
But in season number six, Fultz is enjoying a career-year for the Magic, posting 14 points, 5.7 assists, 1.5 steals while shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from deep - all career-highs.
"Just the opportunity he had here, a great opportunity to get over his health issues," Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey said. "Six years, it just seemed like yesterday he was coming out of college. Age and maturity is a huge factor for him. But he's a difference from their team. And you know, he's given them an opportunity to catapult to where they are."
Over a 26-game span in February and March, the 24-year-old floor general posted 16.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists ... by far the best stretch of his six-year tenure.
And not only did Fultz enjoy individual success over that time, but Orlando also posted a 13-13 record, a big difference to the 5-16 mark without Fultz in the lineup this season.
"One thing that I think people overlook is the play of Fultz and the semi-veteran play that he brings to the table from the point guard position," Casey said prior to Sunday's game. "[Fultz] was the number one pick for a reason, everybody thought he wasn't, but he is showing right now the skill and ability that he has as far as a lead point guard, kind of a scoring point guard but he makes heavy plays from the point guard position offensively and defensively."
Dealing with a lingering shoulder injury over his first five seasons, the setback played a big role in Fultz shooting a mere 26.2 percent from three point range.
However, with that behind him, that number has jumped to a career-best 30.5 percent, with a clear difference in his ability to shoot it from long range.
"So much confidence now," Casey said. "He's got the game the balls in his hands. He's confident he can get to where he wants to get to on the court. Make plays, utilizes size that I did not see when he was in college. Just the force he plays with get to where he's going and complete the play. And I think he's just been a steadying force. And no disrespect to Cole Anthony, but [Fultz] is a bigger, stronger point guard for this team and I think that's helped them grow at a faster rate and play with a lot of poise."
The Magic is back in action tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00p.m.
You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.
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