76ers 'Gave Up Too Early' by Trading Magic Guard Markelle Fultz, Says Joel Embiid
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ORLANDO - Nobody would blame Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz for having a chip on his shoulder after he was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019.
Despite the trade that took place nearly four years ago, Fultz hadn't played as a visitor in his first NBA home until Monday.
The former No. 1 pick made his former team pay, scoring 12 points and dishing 10 assists in the Magic's win against the 76ers ... which prompted his former teammate Joel Embiid to reveal his feelings about that fateful trade.
“When we did trade him, I was disappointed because I felt like we had given up on him too early," Embiid said after Monday's game. "Even back then, even without a jump shot, I still thought he was an amazing talent just because he's so quick. I know he's a great playmaker.”
Fultz has struggled with injuries, and still may not be the best shooter, but he is making progress. Fultz's 49 percent shooting from the field is the best he's had in his career. And he's also proving to be a reliable playmaker with a career-high 5.7 assists.
While Fultz will always have this blemish on his career with the 76ers and being drafted ahead of Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, he's proving now that the 76ers were quick to move off of him and that he still has the talent worthy of that top pick six years ago.
The Magic and 76ers play again in Philadelphia tonight at 7 p.m.
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