Philadelphia 76ers top overall pick Markelle Fultz suffered another setback in his young career after fluid was drained from his right shoulder, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Wojnarowski reported that Fultz’ agent, Raymond Brothers, revealed that his client had a shoulder injury that prevented him from shooting properly. To address the issue, fluid was drained from the rookie’s shoulder. Brothers added that Fultz is planning to visit a specialist, but did not mention if his client will miss some time in order to recover fully. In four games this season, Fultz has averaged 6.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 19 minutes per outing off the bench for the 76ers (1-3).
Fultz scored just two points in their 97-86 win over the Detroit Pistons.
In the preseason, Fultz suffered a knee injury, causing him to miss playing time with the first unit. During his only season with the Washington Huskies, Fultz also suffered a knee injury. Philadelphia fans have high hopes for this team, expecting Fultz, Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Dario Saric to carry the 76ers to the playoffs. With Fultz out, the 76ers will play T.J. McConnell and Jerryd Bayless at point guard.
76ers woes with top picks continue
The 76ers traded the No. 3 pick and a future first-round pick to the Boston Celtics for the chance to select Fultz with the No. 1 overall pick. This was not the first time that the 76ers have had troubles with their top picks.
Simmons missed his rookie year last season with a broken foot while Embiid was sidelined for two seasons due to knee injuries after he was taken third overall by the 76ers in the 2014 Draft. Last season, Embiid was limited to 31 games but showed his potential after averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
76ers notch first win of season
Embiid tallied 30 points and nine boards while Ben Simmons tallied his first career NBA triple-double with 21 points, 12 boards and 10 assists to carry the 76ers to their first win of the season. With his feat, Simmons became the third player in NBA history to tally a triple-double in his first four NBA games, behind Oscar Robertson and Art Williams.
Through four games this season, Simmons is averaging 17 points, 10.8 rebounds and 7.0 assists. Embiid, for his part, toyed with Andre Drummond’s defense, making 11-of-15 shots en route to his season-high scoring output so far. Robert Covington chipped in 13 points and five boards while J.J. Redick and Saric added seven points each for the 76ers.
