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Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Volume 34: The one where the Orlando Magic make the playoffs

By Philip Rossman-Reich

The Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder are playing very similarly to start the season. (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder are playing very similarly to start the season. (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Markelle Fultz, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 14: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on February 14, 2019 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

From Michael Clark via e-mail

"What’s the status on Fultz? I understand keeping him under wraps but having to go to LA to get him here was strange. I’ve read about TOS and understand rehab is best. Like Carpel Tunnel it’s a nerve pinching. Surgery is last resort but this is about a career ender without free movement of arms. Any info on this? I read everything about MCW as well. The shoulder was an issue, but he was moved around quickly which leads me to believe he never totally recovered. He looks fine, but there has to be a story here. Again, any info?"

Markelle Fultz is now back with the team and rehabbing in Orlando. By all accounts, his progress is going well but no one wants to put any undue pressure or timeline on his return. The goal remains for him to get back 100 percent healthy. The Orlando Magic are not about to rush him in that process.

Fultz’s split with the Philadelphia 76ers definitely had its rocky moments. Even though he was doing some things well, his inability to shoot and the pain associated with what was eventually diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome, caused him to seek second opinions and rehab on his own.

When the Magic acquired him, they understood they had to get to know Fultz personally and observe the work he was doing. Considering the rumors that Fultz’s camp and the 76ers probably lost some trust with each other, the Magic definitely did not want to interrupt what Fultz was doing. I think they wanted to observe and understand first and keep Fultz on a positive track.

Personally, I am surprised that Fultz came to Orlando so soon. I felt like it was something that would not happen until the summer when there was less pressure and perhaps even the staff could work with him more one on one to get to know him better.

Maybe the playoff race changed things. By all accounts, Fultz really enjoyed being in Orlando and being around his new teammates. I am sure he was refreshed being back in the grind a bit around the guys. There seems some genuine excitement about joining this team.

The playoff chase maybe heightened his desire to be with the team and support his teammates. I am sure he consulted with the Magic and his trainers to determine whether it would disrupt his rehab before arriving in Orlando.

The fact that everyone approved that is certainly a big step in his rehab.

But no one publicly still knows where Fultz is. When he came to Orlando, he told the media he was doing some on-court activities, but nothing too strenuous. His rehab is still focused off the court at the moment. There is still no timetable for his return.

No one expects him to play this postseason. The Magic do not appear like they want him to play in Summer League either. So we may not know where Fultz stands until training camp.