Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Magic PG Markelle Fultz 'Best Story in Sports'?
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ORLANDO - Orlando Magic point guard Markelle Fultz is enjoying the best season of his career.
Many expected Fultz to have some form of success when he was drafted No. 1 in the 2017 NBA Draft, but almost all of those people changed their minds after his struggles and multiple bouts with injuries all over his body.
Now, he looks closer to the player drafted No. 1 than the universally-acclaimed bust, creating one of the quietest and best stories in sports, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe.
"With no one watching, Fultz fought for his career," ESPN writes. "He is averaging 14 points and 6 assists on 51% shooting, and plays solid multipositional defense when he's dialed in -- including offering bouncy rim protection for his size. He is, improbably, a legitimate starting point guard, and still ascending."
Fultz is turning into a quality starting point guard, but will he be that on the next Magic team that makes the playoffs and becomes a title contender?
There is certainly evidence to suggest that he could. Orlando is 26-27 in games where Fultz plays and 5-16 where he sits. The Magic's recovery from its slow start began once Fultz came back and he's been very good.
With Fultz eligible for a contract extension this summer, Orlando will have to make a decision on how much of an investment it wants to make in its starting point guard. Trust that he'll continue to improve or cash in for a player with a higher ceiling?
The Magic front office will have big decisions to make, but if it continues to ride with Fultz and the former No. 1 pick moves on an upward trajectory, he will continue to become one of the best stories in all of sports.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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