Markelle Fultz Looked More Fluid Than Ever In His Preseason Debut For The Sixers

After several grueling years of Process-Related Trust Falls, the Philadelphia 76ers have finally climbed their way out of the cellar. Health has been a major catalyst for that success. Joel Embiid, whose first three seasons were ravaged by injuries, appeared in 63 games last year and immediately established himself as the one of the league’s most formidable talents.

Ben Simmons, likewise, dazzled in his second NBA season after being forced to sit out his entire rookie campaign. The combined result was a second-round playoff run and their arrival as a legitimate threat to the Eastern Conference crown for years to come.

They managed all of that without No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz, who like his teammates battled a nagging shoulder injury last season that limited him to just 14 games. Fultz reportedly is entering the coming season with a clean bill of health, but what’s still of some concern around the Sixers organization is what many perceived as a psychological issue regarding this shooting form, despite the team’s insistence that they harbor no anxiety in that regard.

So even though it was just a preseason game, all eyes were on Fultz on Friday night as he took the court with his team for a friendly match-up against the visiting Aussie squad from Melbourne United. And without missing a beat, he helped Philly jump out to an early lead off a spectacular assist from Simmons, who refused to take it easy on his native countrymen.

He also showed off the handle and the court vision toward the end of the first half with this pretty dime to Simmons to return the favor.

Then, in the third quarter, Futlz reminded the world that he’s a first-class athlete with a vicious chase-down block on an unsuspecting opponent.

But what’s most promising for Sixers fans is the fact that his shooting mechanics look more fluid than ever, a continuation of the improved technique on display in a workout video earlier this offseason.

He finished with 14 points, four assists, two steals, and a pair of blocks on 6-of-11 shooting in just over 20 minutes of action. Though it can’t be emphasized enough that it’s only a preseason game, Philly fans should feel pretty optimistic about where Fultz is heading into the season. And maybe about the Sixers, too — they won 104-84.