Adrian Fedkiw
Markelle Fultz is nearing his return.
The Philadelphia 76ers announced on Tuesday that Fultz has been cleared to begin the final stage of his return-to-play program.
#Sixers medical update on Markelle Fultz: pic.twitter.com/acwMZhBvgU
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoNBCS) January 2, 2018
The No. 1 overall pick Fultz has missed the last 32 games due to soreness and muscle imbalance in his right shoulder. He decided to play through the pain of his injury initially, but the effects were obvious and Fultz eventually had to sit.
Here’s some footage of Fultz after the Sixers’ practice on Tuesday.
Whole lot of stuff at Sixers practice today, but here is a little of Markelle Fultz playing 1-on-1 after practice. pic.twitter.com/vp0sdNli9u
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) January 2, 2018
Fultz had been coming off the bench for the team’s first four games, averaging 6.0 points shooting 33.3 percent from the floor. He hadn’t attempted many jumpers, especially the pull-up variety. Fultz had been showing off the spin move and getting to the tin, but has been unable to finish. When I saw this free throw clank off the left side of the backboard, that’s when I knew there was something more going on.
Maybe Markelle Fultz should go underhanded, yikes! pic.twitter.com/uhCdT7dDRB
— The Bitter Birds (@AdrianFedkiw) October 22, 2017
Defenders have been sagging off and essentially daring Fultz to shoot, but he hasn’t pulled the trigger. That wasn’t the case during his days at Washington or even the Summer League.
Left wing triple from Fultz with Exum's hand in his face. Exum has provided a nice test for Fultz in the first half. pic.twitter.com/gSOOpuKT5r
— The Bitter Birds (@AdrianFedkiw) July 6, 2017
The Sixers didn’t give any indication as to when Fultz will return to action.