The 2017 NBA Draft is gradually getting closer. We're just over a month away from seeing which player can change a team's future. Markelle Fultz comes into the 2017 NBA Draft looking like everyone's number one overall pick. Most expect the Boston Celtics to land the dynamic point guard, and they should be thrilled. Fultz is a dynamic scorer and thrives when he is controlling the game. Fultz can do a lot of things offensively, but also has some weaknesses to his game as well.
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 195 pounds
College averages: 23.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.9 apg
About
Markelle Fultz played for Washington in the 2016-2017 season, and while the school didn't do well overall, Fultz dominated.
Almost nightly he looked like the best player on the floor. Whether it was against another potential lottery pick Lonzo Ball, or against some of the best schools in the country. The Washington offense flew right through Fultz. They set stagger screens for Fultz which then led to a Pick And Roll, and he had a lot of success off of it. They ran an offense that translates well for Fultz to the NBA. He'll go through a lot of pick and roll, post-ups, isolations, and it won't be anything foreign to him.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Markelle Fultz has a ton of strengths in his game. He's a natural shot-creator. He can take anyone off the dribble and get his shot off. Whether that be a step-back, a spin, or a pull-up shot.
He's best when he has the ball in his hands, meaning if he's leading your offense then you're in good shape. He did really well at finding the open man even with teammates who weren't all that great. He can find shooters, hit the post on a pick and roll, and score it himself if he can't find anyone.
Weaknesses in Fultz' game come from his decision-making on his shots.
He can create space better than anyone in the country, but he tends to favor a lot of mid-range shots essentially like DeMar DeRozan in that area. His finishes are pretty, although can be ineffective with larger bodies around the rim. He shot in the mid 60's in free throw percentage, which for a point guard and scorer of his caliber isn't very common and could be a concern.
He struggles a bit off the ball and tends to watch what's going on instead of finding windows for him to be effective in.
With all that being said, Fultz is still an amazing basketball player that you can build your team around. He's got day one play-making ability and whichever team lands the number one overall pick will have a hard time not drafting him. A couple of teams that he suits really well in the lottery include the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, and the Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics will likely get the number one pick and while he might not be the most ideal for their team next year with Isaiah Thomas still around, he brings a lot of hope for the future.
