76ers GM unsure if Fultz will return this season
Stephen A. Smith believes Markelle Fultz has other issues going on besides his shoulder and thinks he has forgotten how to play basketball. (1:36)
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers are unsure if Markelle Fultz will play again this season.
The 20-year-old Fultz was diagnosed this month with thoracic outlet syndrome and is doing physical therapy in Los Angeles. General manager Elton Brand said Saturday prior to a game against Toronto he has no timetable for Fultz’s return to basketball activities.
Brand said it was “to be determined” if Fultz will play again this season.
“I can’t say right now,” Brand said.
The GM expects to update Fultz’s situation in “a few weeks.”
Fultz was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft, but his young career has been sidetracked by injuries and ineffectiveness. He averaged 8.2 points through 19 games but was shut down by his agent shortly after Jimmy Butler arrived via trade from Minnesota and Fultz lost his spot in the starting lineup.
Fultz’s shooting form, particularly from the free throw line, has been scrutinized. The 76ers said earlier this month that specialists have identified a compression or irritation in the area between his lower neck and upper chest. Physical therapy was recommended for Fultz before returning to play.
Fultz played just 14 games last season because of a shoulder injury that appeared to affect his shooting mechanics.