"He Was the First Pick for a Reason": The NBA's Greatest Mystery Fights for One Last Chance

Markelle Fultz arrived in the NBA with the 76ers as a generational talent, only to mysteriously forget how to shoot. His departure from the Sacramento Kings seemed to signal the end of his NBA career. Until now.

With just nine seconds left on the clock and the offensive team needing to get off a crucial shot while trailing 121-122, Fultz holds the ball. A quick dribble between his legs, a swift spin move, and a silky-smooth layup with his off-hand over the outstretched arm of the defender. It was an absolute highlight and the game-winner for Toronto against Detroit.

However, on that March evening in 2026, it wasn't the Raptors facing the Pistons, but rather the Raptors 905 against the Motor City Cruise. G-League, not NBA. Markelle Fultz, the No. 1 pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, is right in the thick of it.

"We ran a play, and it didn't work at first," Fultz calmly and matter-of-factly explained his heroic effort on the smaller stage afterwards. "But these are the plays and shots I've been working on over and over again."

This was only his third appearance for the 905. He had surprisingly joined the team earlier in the month, hoping to earn another shot at the NBA. Toronto's G-League affiliate has recently built a strong reputation for player development. For instance, Julian Reese (Washington Wizards), Olivier Sarr (Cleveland Cavaliers), and David Roddy (Denver Nuggets) have recently secured two-way contracts through the program. Even NBA All-Stars like Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet have previously played for the G-League squad.

"We know who he is," Head Coach Drew Jones raved about his new protégé after the game-winner. "He was the first pick for a reason."

After Comparisons to Durant: Fultz Suddenly Couldn't Shoot Anymore

But that was a long time ago. In 2017, Fultz entered the league as a prodigious talent. He wasn't the top name called because the rest of his draft class was subpar; rather, he was highly coveted. The Philadelphia 76ers, viewing him as the final puzzle piece of their legendary 'Process,' even traded up to secure him. Instead of drafting at third overall, they wanted the first pick—and Fultz.

At the time, there was indeed criticism, though not directed at the Sixers, but at the Boston Celtics for agreeing to the trade (and subsequently securing a certain Jayson Tatum with their acquired pick). Fultz possessed every skill a team could desire. In college, he was athletic, strong defensively, showcased excellent court vision and basketball IQ—and possessed a wonderful shot. His pull-up jumper drew comparisons to Kevin Durant, and in college, he attempted five three-pointers per game, hitting an impressive 41.3 percent from beyond the arc.

What followed was arguably the greatest mystery in NBA history: Fultz forgot how to shoot. No one could precisely explain what had happened—not Fultz himself, nor his coaches, nor the 76ers. Opinions differed on who or what was to blame. It remained unclear whether the issues were physical, psychological, or a combination of both. The only consensus was that his once-reliable shot was gone.

His shooting mechanics became unnatural, and his confidence evaporated. If it weren't so tragic, it would have almost been comical to see the young player suddenly attempting a pump fake at the free-throw line on an NBA court.

Did Fultz accidentally pump fake at the line?

(via @gifdsports)pic.twitter.com/OYcMDbJZAY

— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) November 13, 2018

"Ultimate Teammate": The Magic Were Enthusiastic About Fultz

After two years, just 33 games, four made three-pointers, and endless discussions surrounding every shot (and every unattempted shot), the 76ers gave up. Fultz was essentially offloaded to Orlando. Philadelphia gladly accepted Jonathon Simmons, a top-20 protected first-round pick, and a high second-round pick from Florida in exchange.

In his new environment with less pressure, Fultz also fared significantly better. In his first season with the Magic, he played 72 games, starting 60 of them. The point guard averaged over 12 points and distributed more than 5 assists per game, in addition to playing solid defense.

Head Coach Jamahl Mosley praised Fultz as the 'ultimate teammate,' noting that he even dared to attempt two three-pointers per game. Although the former prodigy only shot 26.7 percent from beyond the arc, confidence began to return to his game.

While his mind was now on board, his body wasn't. In January 2021, Fultz tore his ACL, shortly after signing a three-year, $50 million contract extension in Orlando. He didn't play another game until February 2022.

He returned better than ever. In the 2022-2023 season, he delivered his strongest performance, appearing in 60 games and averaging 14.0 PPG, 5.7 APG, and 3.9 RPG. He started every one of those contests. While he wasn't the superstar many had hoped for, he had undeniably found his footing in the NBA despite repeated setbacks.

G-League Detour: Fultz is Only the Second No. 1 Pick in the Development League

However, his issues persisted, and by the following year, his appearances and minutes declined, with nearly all his total stats cut in half. In the summer of 2024, Fultz would have liked to remain in Orlando, but the Magic allowed the unrestricted free agent to walk.

For a long time, nothing happened. It wasn't until after the 2025 trade deadline that the Kings, desperate for a new guard after De'Aaron Fox's departure, showed interest. Fultz was given 21 games to prove himself, whether for the Kings or another team. But it didn't work out, and Fultz was out of the NBA by the summer of 2025. Even by the 2026 trade deadline, he remained unsigned.

Now, he has taken the step into the G-League to make another bid for the NBA. Fultz is notably only the second No. 1 overall pick to ever play in the development league. But he doesn't care. "I just want to get back to the league and contribute to a team."

In the smaller arenas, before smaller crowds, his skill occasionally flashes. After his first five appearances, his stats of 9.4 PPG and 6.2 APG look quite respectable. The eye test confirms: Fultz hasn't forgotten his strengths, but neither have his weaknesses disappeared. He rarely attempts three-pointers and hardly makes them—until last weekend, when he finally connected from downtown on his sixth attempt.

"Blood, Sweat, and Tears": Fultz Fights for His Last Chance

"He's a professional and has played in many big games," his new coach Drew Jones praised him, not just for his on-court performance. "He understands what the league is about, how it works, and what's necessary and required every single day."

According to Jones, the younger players should emulate Fultz: "I encourage our guys to benefit from that and understand what it takes to win at the highest level. That's not just about the game on the court. It's also about how you take care of your body, rest, sleep, and nutrition."

Fultz willingly embraces his leadership role: "This is a great organization, a great group, and they're already playing the right way. It will only help the team if I come here and bring my experience."

Fultz brings eight years and 255 NBA games of experience, and he's determined to do everything possible to add at least a 256th. A few G-League appearances no longer bruise his ego. "I just love this game too much. I don't take any of this for granted. Every time I get a chance to come out here and play, I put a lot of love, blood, sweat, and tears into it."

Even if it's against the Motor City Cruise from Detroit.

NBA: Markelle Fultz's Career Statistics

Season	Team	GP	MIN	PTS	FG%	3FG%	FT%	REB	AST
2024/2025	Sacramento Kings	21	8.8	2.9	41.8	50.0	100.0	0.9	1.3
2023/2024	Orlando Magic	43	21.2	7.8	47.2	22.2	69.7	3.2	2.8
2022/2023	Orlando Magic	60	29.6	14.0	51.4	31.0	78.3	3.9	5.7
2021/2022	Orlando Magic	18	20.0	10.8	47.7	23.5	80.6	2.7	5.5
2020/2021	Orlando Magic	8	26.9	12.9	39.4	25.0	89.5	3.1	5.4
2019/2020	Orlando Magic	72	27.7	12.1	46.5	26.7	73.0	3.3	5.1
2018/2019	Philadelphia 76ers	19	22.5	8.2	41.9	28.6	56.8	3.7	3.1
2017/2018	Philadelphia 76ers	14	18.1	7.1	40.5	0.0	47.6	3.1	3.8