Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Markelle Fultz’s recovery echoes how the NBA must change approach to injuries

By Philip Rossman-Reich

TORONTO,ONTARIO - JUNE 10: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors consoles and injured Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO,ONTARIO - JUNE 10: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors consoles and injured Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Claus Andersen/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) /

Trusting the player

The benefits of this are clear.

Kawhi Leonard credited the Toronto Raptors’ load management plan in helping him be at his best in the NBA Finals. Leonard played in only 60 games this season. He is now clearly the best player in the Finals series and perhaps the NBA Playoffs MVP.

This came a season after everyone questioned whether Leonard was somehow faking an injury to avoid playing for the San Antonio Spurs last season.

The same kind of debate surrounded Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

Markelle Fultz dealt with a knee injury entering the NBA that kept him out for some time. But when he returned to the floor his rookie year for the Philadelphia 76ers, a shoulder and wrist issue quickly developed.

The disconnect between Fultz and the 76ers grew because the two had differing opinions about what was wrong.

The 76ers believed a lot of his issues were mental and found nothing wrong. This narrative started to take hold and all the blame was put on Fultz asking why he was not on the floor.

Fan pressure is still on Fultz to return. Philadelphia fans grew combative about Fultz, declaring him a bust. The popular Game of Zones web series started depicting Fultz as a meek and timid player not ready to play.

Of course, Fultz knew something was wrong with him. He was not able to do all the things he normally does. Without his comfort, he was not going to play.

He eventually found a diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome and began a rehab program that would help him manage the issue. He is continuing in that program. But he clearly lost some trust with the 76ers and what they expected of him.

The Magic have given him all the space and time he needs to recover without putting any timetable. They want what will help him be the best player he can be in the long term.

They hope this patience will pay off for them on the court eventually. But they are also keenly aware they should listen to the player about his own health and let him return at his pace.