Markelle Fultz
The Orlando Magic did not make any big free agent signings as of yet. But they did bring back several players from last season including Michael Carter-Williams while adding Dwayne Bacon and Chuma Okeke.
While the 2021 roster will be a familiar one, Markelle Fultz showed signs last season that he is on course to improve again.
After playing just 19 games in his second season for the Philadelphia 76ers, Fultz came back with a 72-game campaign for the Orlando Magic and averaged 12.1 points, 5.1 assists and 2.7 rebounds.
Of those 72 games, Fultz started 60 and provided the Magic with substantive minutes. Those who followed Fultz’s tenure in Philly and his rehabilitation following an odd shoulder injury, know these are promising results.
Although Fultz shot a meager 26.7-percent from three on 135 attempts, he posted a career-high PER at 14.3 which is almost a two-point improvement from his first two seasons. He also played a total of 1,996 minutes which points to a promising glimmer of consistency.
The Magic are not looking for Fultz to produce like a franchise player, but rather a versatile combo guard who does not need to be covered up on defense or offense. He has shown he is ready to take the next step and take on a bigger role on the team. His combination of size, playmaking and slashing is what the Magic need from their starting point guard.
Even though the Magic were able to draft Cole Anthony, Steve Clifford will not be looking at the rookie to produce. Rather he will be looking at Markelle Fultz and Michael Carter-Williams, especially now that D.J. Augustin is gone.