What should Philly do with Markelle Fultz?
The Philadelphia 76ers may have a problem with Markelle Fultz. The team is doing everything they possibly can to make him a productive player for them, but he simply isn’t reacting with meaningful production.
Fultz has started each of the first three games for the Sixers and is averaging a solid eight points, five assists and four rebounds. On the surface, solid numbers for a fourth or fifth option on a team, and, really, a rookie. However, when you take it a step further, Fultz may actually may be doing more harm than good for the Sixers.
So far this season (H/T ESPN’s Zach Lowe), when Fultz is on the floor with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, the Sixers have a net rating of -12.9. When he is off the floor, Simmons and Embiid have a net rating of 28.1. That’s not great, and suggests that Fultz is doing more damage than good. It’s early, but woof.