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NBA

The First Pick of the 2017 Draft Attempts a Comeback with the Raptors

Markelle Fultz joins Toronto on a 10-day contract. The former first overall pick of the 2017 Draft, now 27 years old, finds a new opportunity in the NBA after difficult stints in Philadelphia, Orlando and Sacramento.
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The First Pick of the 2017 Draft Attempts a Comeback with the Raptors
Photo Credit : © Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

The Toronto Raptors officially announced on Monday the signing of Markelle Fultz to a 10-day contract. The American guard, first overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, is attempting a fresh start after a career marked by injuries and disappointments since entering the league.

At 27 years old, Fultz (6’3″) hadn’t played in the NBA since last season, when he appeared in 21 games with the Sacramento Kings. His modest statistics of 2.9 points, 1 rebound and 1.3 assists per game reflected his struggles to regain his form.

A Successful Stint in the G-League with Raptors 905

This season, the former University of Washington player was competing with Raptors 905, Toronto’s affiliated G-League team. In six appearances, all as a starter, Fultz posted encouraging averages of 9.8 points and 5.3 assists per game in 22.2 minutes of playing time.

His performances particularly caught attention during the victory against Rip City on March 20, where he scored 17 points. These performances convinced the Raptors staff to give him a chance to prove his worth at the highest level.

The Raptors, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference with 39 wins and 31 losses, are looking to strengthen their rotation at the guard position. Immanuel Quickley is suffering from plantar fasciitis in his right foot, while Jamal Shead is going through a difficult period, as evidenced by his 1-for-6 shooting performance on Sunday against Phoenix.

An Up-and-Down Career Since 2017

Selected ahead of Jayson Tatum by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017, Fultz never lived up to the enormous expectations placed on him. Shoulder and nerve problems quickly disrupted his development, forcing him to modify his shot and limiting his playing time to fewer than 20 games during his first two seasons.

Traded to Orlando in 2019, he managed to rebuild himself and become a solid contributor. His best season remains 2022-2023, when he averaged 14 points and 5.7 assists with 51.4% shooting accuracy. Overall, Fultz has career averages of 10.4 points, 4.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 255 NBA games.

With this 10-day contract, Fultz could be eligible for the playoffs, not having been under an NBA contract after March 1st. For the Raptors, who are fighting to avoid the play-in tournament, the experience and playmaking speed of the former first overall pick could prove valuable in the final stretch.

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Nicolas Flamecourt
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
The First Pick of the 2017 Draft Attempts a Comeback with the Raptors