Mike Schmitz, ESPN 4y

How Markelle Fultz finally found his place in the NBA

NBA, Orlando Magic

Three years removed from the grandiose expectations that come along with being the No. 1 pick, Markelle Fultz has quietly turned around his young NBA career with the Orlando Magic.

"I think he's come the furthest in the shortest amount of time when you talk about reclamation projects," said one Eastern Conference general manager. "He's done an unbelievable job."

Even with D.J. Augustin back at the controls for Orlando since the NBA's restart, Fultz has proven himself as a starting-caliber lead guard, showing glimpses of tremendous promise along the way. NBA coaches, executives and players have taken notice of Fultz's bounce-back season, as he's one of only seven under-23 players averaging at least 12 points and 5 assists per game.

"I can't put into words how proud and happy I am for Kelle," former teammate T.J. McConnell said of Fultz, who has shot 5-for-6 from deep in the bubble. "To see all his hard work pay off and him knocking down the 3 confidently is amazing."

He may not be splashing hesitation pull-ups from deep like executives envisioned when he was considered the consensus top prospect in 2017. But given the lows Fultz experienced during his injury-riddled, turbulent time with the Philadelphia 76ers, his resurgence with the Magic has been nothing short of remarkable.

How exactly has Fultz reinvented his game without the threat of the pull-up 3 from his time at Washington? Let's take a look at how he's remained effective and what's next.

^ Back to Top ^