The strange, mysterious situation surrounding Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz just turned stranger and more mysterious.
Fultz’s agent and attorney, Raymond Brothers, said Fultz is scheduled to see a shoulder specialist in New York after Thanksgiving weekend, and in the meantime, Fultz won’t practice or play for the Sixers, Brothers confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
Fultz’s right shoulder has been a focal point since the start of his rookie season in 2017-18. When Fultz joined the Sixers for training camp in September of 2017, his shooting form looked nothing like it did during his freshman season at Washington where he developed into a high lottery pick. The Sixers selected him with the No. 1 overall pick.
But through one-plus seasons, Fultz has been slowed by whatever ails his shoulder. He played in just 14 games last season and returned to training camp for his second season with questions about his shot. Recent video of his shot indicates continued issues with his shooting form that includes awkward hitches, pauses and releases.
The form is the subject of intense scrutiny. Did Fultz try changing his shot? Did the injury cause him to change the shot? Or, for whatever reason, has he lost confidence in his ability to shoot.
The Sixers early last season sent Fultz to shoulder specialist, who diagnosed him with soreness and scapular muscle imbalance. The team gave him time to heal. Fultz worked on his game and was cleared in early January. But then-Sixers general manager Bryan Colangelo said Fultz’s range was limited to the paint area.
Fultz played some in the playoffs and returned to training camp for this season, saying he was back and better.
But by early November, it was clear something was wrong with Fultz. Trainer Drew Hanlen, who worked with Fultz over the summer, said on Twitter that Fultz was not healthy. He later deleted the tweet.
Sixers coach Brett Brown said he’s healthy enough to play, but Fultz’s shot indicated something still isn’t right. So Fultz’s representation is going to try and figure out what it is.
The Athletic first reported the Fultz news.
