Markelle Fultz is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. He was the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers after a year of college basketball with the Washington Huskies. His NBA career has been marked by injuries and inconsistent play. After struggling with injuries and a loss of form early in his career in Philadelphia, he was traded to the Orlando Magic. He showed improvement in Orlando but continued to face injury setbacks. Now with the Kings, Fultz is looking to establish himself and fulfill the potential that made him the top draft pick.
Bob Houbregs set a scoring record for the Washington Huskies in the 1952-1953 season.
Bob Houbregs set a scoring record for the Washington Huskies in the 1952-1953 season.
Markelle N'Gai Fultz was born on May 29, 1998.
Markelle Fultz began attending DeMatha Catholic High School in 2012, initially playing on the junior varsity team.
The 76ers aimed to return to the playoffs in 2012 after a period of absence.
Markelle Fultz committed to the University of Washington on August 21, 2015.
On March 31, 2016, Fultz showcased his skills at the McDonald's All-American Game, recording 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
By the end of his senior year in 2016, Fultz was recognized as a five-star recruit and ranked among the top point guards in his class.
During his junior year in 2016, Fultz averaged 16.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, earning Player of the Year in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. His recruiting stature soared, with numerous college scholarship offers.
During the 2016-17 season, Markelle Fultz played point guard and shooting guard for the Washington Huskies.
Fultz began his freshman season with the Washington Huskies in 2016, taking on a leadership role and becoming the primary scorer.
By 2017, Fultz was widely projected to be the first overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
Fultz made his NBA debut in 2017 but soon suffered a shoulder injury that significantly impacted his performance.
In 2017, Markelle Fultz was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the first overall pick in the NBA draft.
Markelle Fultz returned from his shoulder injury on March 26, 2018, in a game against the Denver Nuggets.
On November 20, 2018, Markelle Fultz's agent announced he would be sitting out of practices and games to evaluate a shoulder injury, later diagnosed as neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). This condition affects the nerves between the neck and shoulder, impacting movement and range of motion, which significantly hindered Fultz's ability to shoot a basketball.
On February 7, 2019, Markelle Fultz was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Orlando Magic. The trade involved Jonathon Simmons, a first-round pick from Oklahoma City Thunder, and a second-round pick from Cleveland Cavaliers going to Philadelphia.
On October 23, 2019, Markelle Fultz made his debut with the Orlando Magic in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He contributed 12 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals to the Magic's 94-85 victory.
On December 27, 2020, Markelle Fultz scored 26 points in a 120-113 win against the Washington Wizards.
Chase Young, Fultz's high school teammate, was named the 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
On January 6, 2021, during the first quarter of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Markelle Fultz suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, which caused him to miss the remainder of the 2020-21 season.
On February 28, 2022, Markelle Fultz returned to active play after recovering from his torn ACL, playing against the Indiana Pacers.
On March 18, 2023, Markelle Fultz scored a career-high 28 points and made four steals in a 113-108 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers.
In 2025, Markelle Fultz signed with the Sacramento Kings.