What does success appear like for a participant that’s already been labeled a bust?
In the case of Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz, the reply is sophisticated.
The former No. 1 general decide might by no means reside as much as the hype that surrounded him when he entered the league in 2017, however that isn’t stopping him from quietly bettering whereas the remainder of the NBA forgets about him.
Fultz is within the midst of a profession yr.
He’s averaging 12.5 factors, 5.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per sport on incredible effectivity (50.2 % capturing from the sphere and 37.1 % from deep).
Markelle Fultz is taking part in the very best basketball of his profession proper now. pic.twitter.com/mRS6Vi8Pyz
— Hilltop Hoops (@HilltopNBA) January 13, 2023
It’s clear how necessary the College of Washington product is to Orlando’s success, because the crew is 5-16 when he doesn’t play this season and 12-13 when he does.
Due to accidents, Fultz has solely performed in 156 common season video games within the NBA.
That’s…lower than two seasons’ price of video games.
He’s basically a sophomore (or borderline junior) on the NBA degree from an expertise perspective, and he’s nonetheless simply 24 years previous.
He appears to have discovered a pleasant house with the Magic, they usually’re definitely pleased to have him.
So, what does success appear like for Fultz?
The reply to that query might change steadily as he continues to develop on the NBA degree.
This season, maybe success means staying wholesome and persevering with to be a key contributor for Orlando.
Subsequent season, success might come within the type of one other small leap, like a scoring improve whereas remaining environment friendly.
Large image, All-Star choices and different accolades might come, however followers have to be affected person.
Simply have a look at Andrew Wiggins, a former No. 1 general decide who wanted eight seasons on the NBA degree to be named an All-Star.
Fultz, regardless of technically being in his sixth NBA season, has performed in roughly 27 % as many profession video games as Wiggins did earlier than turning into an All-Star.
It’s not too late for Fultz.
With the season he’s having, it’s protected to say that he’s simply getting began.