Fultz Hype Machine

[jonbob17]

I heard this nugget on a podcast.

Fultz was first in the league last year in assist %. He didn't play enough games to get credit on basketball reference, and granted it was small sample size...but it ain't nothing either. Good company.

1. Fultz 48.9
2. Trae 46.7
3. Luka 46.0
4. Chris Paul 44.5
5. Jokic 42.6
6. Murray 40.6

I am not holding out hope on his distance shot, if somehow Fultz could settle in to a 30-32% 3 point shooter, and continue to increase his defensive chops (he has the size and athleticism), I could see him settling in to something like a Dejounte Murray role in San Antonio.

[Skybox]

Fultz is a really good, unselfish player. So are Paolo, Franz, Suggs, WCJ...but that might not make for a very synergistic lineup if nobody can spot up reliably...Out of that group, Fultz is likely the odd man out...I really really hope this is his year to make the shots fall.

[p0peye]

Cherrypicking stats in small sample size. For comparison, Fultz AST% per year was:

• 31.3 (14 games)
• 19.5 (19 games)
• 29 (72 games)
• 33.1 (8 games)
• 48.9 (18 games)

So, look at data and draw your own conclusions.

[AaronB]

If someone could tell Fultz to either have a slight fade on all of his shots or lean back about 5-10 degrees when he elevates, he would have almost no issues with his shot.

Ultimately, his shot is more like throwing a dart and less like a basketball shot. It is not even that bad of motion. It is why his fade-away shot looks pretty darn good. Unfortunately, a fade-away from 3 pt land will not work very well.

A lot of players lean back without fading away. The biggest issue with doing it is psychological in that it is hard to train your brain to move your eyes further away from the target to facilitate better results.

Good tennis players have the same issues with their serve. Once the toss goes up, the good servers rock back and move their hips forward to generate rotational momentum. Very difficult to teach because the brain wants the eyes to stay as close to the intended target as possible.

[jonbob17]

Cherrypicking stats in small sample size. For comparison, Fultz AST% per year was:

• 31.3 (14 games)
• 19.5 (19 games)
• 29 (72 games)
• 33.1 (8 games)
• 48.9 (18 games)

So, look at data and draw your own conclusions.

I mean if we dial it back to say 35 that's still 9th in the league between Lamelo Ball and Tyrese Haliburton. If we are not projecting some improvement in a 24 year old that's missed so much time, am i not sure what we are hoping for with this team. Of course this is assuming Fultz can stay healthy.

The point is Fultz was really good at certain things last year. Playmaking being one of them.

[p0peye]

Cherrypicking stats in small sample size. For comparison, Fultz AST% per year was:

• 31.3 (14 games)
• 19.5 (19 games)
• 29 (72 games)
• 33.1 (8 games)
• 48.9 (18 games)

So, look at data and draw your own conclusions.

I mean if we dial it back to say 35 that's still 9th in the league between Lamelo Ball and Tyrese Haliburton. If we are not projecting some improvement in a 24 year old that's missed so much time, am i not sure what we are hoping for with this team. Of course this is assuming Fultz can stay healthy.

The point is Fultz was really good at certain things last year. Playmaking being one of them.

What has been consistent so far is that Fultz can't stay on the floor or shoot, while AST% numbers you refer to do not suggest what you are implying. I am not projecting anything for him, nor do I think Magic hopes are clinging on his improvement.

[OrlMagic05]

Cherrypicking stats in small sample size. For comparison, Fultz AST% per year was:

• 31.3 (14 games)
• 19.5 (19 games)
• 29 (72 games)
• 33.1 (8 games)
• 48.9 (18 games)

So, look at data and draw your own conclusions.

I mean if we dial it back to say 35 that's still 9th in the league between Lamelo Ball and Tyrese Haliburton. If we are not projecting some improvement in a 24 year old that's missed so much time, am i not sure what we are hoping for with this team. Of course this is assuming Fultz can stay healthy.

The point is Fultz was really good at certain things last year. Playmaking being one of them.

What has been consistent so far is that Fultz can't stay on the floor or shoot, while AST% numbers you refer to do not suggest what you are implying. I am not projecting anything for him, nor do I think Magic hopes are clinging on his improvement.

Its not like Fultz has had the same lingering injury like JI. Since being in Orlando he has not missed a game due to the shoulder issue and the torn ACL was a freak accident. Now if we want to talk about someone who cant stay on the floor that would be JI.

[jonbob17]

Cherrypicking stats in small sample size. For comparison, Fultz AST% per year was:

• 31.3 (14 games)
• 19.5 (19 games)
• 29 (72 games)
• 33.1 (8 games)
• 48.9 (18 games)

So, look at data and draw your own conclusions.

I mean if we dial it back to say 35 that's still 9th in the league between Lamelo Ball and Tyrese Haliburton. If we are not projecting some improvement in a 24 year old that's missed so much time, am i not sure what we are hoping for with this team. Of course this is assuming Fultz can stay healthy.

The point is Fultz was really good at certain things last year. Playmaking being one of them.

What has been consistent so far is that Fultz can't stay on the floor or shoot, while AST% numbers you refer to do not suggest what you are implying. I am not projecting anything for him, nor do I think Magic hopes are clinging on his improvement.

It estimates the percentage of FG made by teammates the player assisted with while they played. It's a pretty good indicator of one's playmaking for others, as it is dominated by the best passers in the game. I mean i guess the other way to look at is Assists per 36, 9.9 for Fultz which tied him for 3rd with James Harden.

I'd say where is Lebron, but he had the Westbrook effect last year.

[Magicman125]

I mean if we dial it back to say 35 that's still 9th in the league between Lamelo Ball and Tyrese Haliburton. If we are not projecting some improvement in a 24 year old that's missed so much time, am i not sure what we are hoping for with this team. Of course this is assuming Fultz can stay healthy.

The point is Fultz was really good at certain things last year. Playmaking being one of them.

What has been consistent so far is that Fultz can't stay on the floor or shoot, while AST% numbers you refer to do not suggest what you are implying. I am not projecting anything for him, nor do I think Magic hopes are clinging on his improvement.

It estimates the percentage of FG made by teammates the player assisted with while they played. It's a pretty good indicator of one's playmaking for others, as it is dominated by the best passers in the game. I mean i guess the other way to look at is Assists per 36, 9.9 for Fultz which tied him for 3rd with James Harden.

I'd say where is Lebron, but he had the Westbrook effect last year.

Given our roster construction, I doubt Fultz gets 36mpg even if fully healthy and improved across the board statistically.

I expect something like 12-15 pts and 6 - 8 assists from him in about 28 - 32 mpg. Just hope he can up his TS% by getting to the line, picking his spots better in the mid range, and remaining above 30% from 3pt on like 3 attempts per game.

[drsd]

Fultz is a PnR player, and alongside F-Wagner and Banchero, a LOT of assists will come next year.

[Skybox]

Cherrypicking stats in small sample size. For comparison, Fultz AST% per year was:

• 31.3 (14 games)
• 19.5 (19 games)
• 29 (72 games)
• 33.1 (8 games)
• 48.9 (18 games)

So, look at data and draw your own conclusions.

I'm really rooting for Fultz, but the only conclusion I draw from the above is that the guy hasn't played enough to draw any statistical conclusions. This is his year (or not).

[Rainwater]

I heard this nugget on a podcast.

Fultz was first in the league last year in assist %. He didn't play enough games to get credit on basketball reference, and granted it was small sample size...but it ain't nothing either. Good company.

1. Fultz 48.9
2. Trae 46.7
3. Luka 46.0
4. Chris Paul 44.5
5. Jokic 42.6
6. Murray 40.6

I am not holding out hope on his distance shot, if somehow Fultz could settle in to a 30-32% 3 point shooter, and continue to increase his defensive chops (he has the size and athleticism), I could see him settling in to something like a Dejounte Murray role in San Antonio.

Wasn't Murray an All-Star last season? Don't see that for Fultz especially since he still can't shoot beyond the Mid-range.

By year 3 or 4 you typically know what type of player you will have in the future and Fultz is heading into his 6th year. At some point you have to stop saying this year is his year. I just don't see Fultz being more than a role player at this point

[jonbob17]

I heard this nugget on a podcast.

Fultz was first in the league last year in assist %. He didn't play enough games to get credit on basketball reference, and granted it was small sample size...but it ain't nothing either. Good company.

1. Fultz 48.9
2. Trae 46.7
3. Luka 46.0
4. Chris Paul 44.5
5. Jokic 42.6
6. Murray 40.6

I am not holding out hope on his distance shot, if somehow Fultz could settle in to a 30-32% 3 point shooter, and continue to increase his defensive chops (he has the size and athleticism), I could see him settling in to something like a Dejounte Murray role in San Antonio.

Wasn't Murray an All-Star last season? Don't see that for Fultz especially since he still can't shoot beyond the Mid-range.

By year 3 or 4 you typically know what type of player you will have in the future and Fultz is heading into his 6th year. At some point you have to stop saying this year is his year. I just don't see Fultz being more than a role player at this point

Murray is a poor 3 point shooter, who slowly grew into his role, also lost a year to a torn ACL, both went to Washington. In year 4 Murray was averaging 11 PPG and 4 assists. Murray broke out as a 25 year old.

[MasterGMer]

Read on Twitter

Could Cole take Fultz starting job?

[Skybox]

Read on Twitter

Could Cole take Fultz starting job?

Not out of the question. Cole would need to refine his decisions and vision, but he's, at this point, a much better shooter - and that's going to be critical to support our frontcourt.

[Def Swami]

I think conventional wisdom is Fultz and Suggs both start with Anthony as super 6th man. I also could see the team deciding to start Anthony over either of Fultz or Suggs depending on how things roll in training camp. If 2 are clearly better than the rest, then they'll start those 2.

[Audi]

I heard this nugget on a podcast.

Fultz was first in the league last year in assist %. He didn't play enough games to get credit on basketball reference, and granted it was small sample size...but it ain't nothing either. Good company.

1. Fultz 48.9
2. Trae 46.7
3. Luka 46.0
4. Chris Paul 44.5
5. Jokic 42.6
6. Murray 40.6

I am not holding out hope on his distance shot, if somehow Fultz could settle in to a 30-32% 3 point shooter, and continue to increase his defensive chops (he has the size and athleticism), I could see him settling in to something like a Dejounte Murray role in San Antonio.

Wasn't Murray an All-Star last season? Don't see that for Fultz especially since he still can't shoot beyond the Mid-range.

By year 3 or 4 you typically know what type of player you will have in the future and Fultz is heading into his 6th year. At some point you have to stop saying this year is his year. I just don't see Fultz being more than a role player at this point

Typically, I'd agree.

But small sample size and most importantly, we are talking about a kid who essentially imploded his early NBA career with an injury brought about by grinding too hard in the gym. Now way we are seeing a finished product here.

[jezzerinho]

I heard this nugget on a podcast.

Fultz was first in the league last year in assist %. He didn't play enough games to get credit on basketball reference, and granted it was small sample size...but it ain't nothing either. Good company.

1. Fultz 48.9
2. Trae 46.7
3. Luka 46.0
4. Chris Paul 44.5
5. Jokic 42.6
6. Murray 40.6

I am not holding out hope on his distance shot, if somehow Fultz could settle in to a 30-32% 3 point shooter, and continue to increase his defensive chops (he has the size and athleticism), I could see him settling in to something like a Dejounte Murray role in San Antonio.

Wasn't Murray an All-Star last season? Don't see that for Fultz especially since he still can't shoot beyond the Mid-range.

By year 3 or 4 you typically know what type of player you will have in the future and Fultz is heading into his 6th year. At some point you have to stop saying this year is his year. I just don't see Fultz being more than a role player at this point

Typically, I'd agree.

But small sample size and most importantly, we are talking about a kid who essentially imploded his early NBA career with an injury brought about by grinding too hard in the gym. Now way we are seeing a finished product here.

True to a degree, but he's been in a position to work on a whole bunch of stuff in professional facilities and with pro coaches during his various injuries and the resultant player isn't wildly improved on the guy drafted.

He is tremendous in transition. He has an elite slow-quick dribble game. But the spots it takes him to are typically in the midrange and the herky jerky style limits his ability to draw fouls.

He lacks the vertical explosion to be a force at the rim. His push-style shooting motion will always result in flat trajectories and shots hitting the rim. He has a knack for getting his hand in and poking the ball away but the rest of his defence is average. He has very good court vision but his playmaking doesn't match it in terms of creative passing.

He's extremely likeable and so easy to root for. He's had some v good games for Orlando too and seems a great unselfish teammate.

But there just aren't enough big positives to outweigh the glaring negatives. Stuff will have to take big leaps forward form that to happen. I'm not ruling that possibility completely out but with every year in the league it becomes decreasingly likely.

[T-Cat]

Read on Twitter

[Rainwater]

I heard this nugget on a podcast.

Fultz was first in the league last year in assist %. He didn't play enough games to get credit on basketball reference, and granted it was small sample size...but it ain't nothing either. Good company.

1. Fultz 48.9
2. Trae 46.7
3. Luka 46.0
4. Chris Paul 44.5
5. Jokic 42.6
6. Murray 40.6

I am not holding out hope on his distance shot, if somehow Fultz could settle in to a 30-32% 3 point shooter, and continue to increase his defensive chops (he has the size and athleticism), I could see him settling in to something like a Dejounte Murray role in San Antonio.

Wasn't Murray an All-Star last season? Don't see that for Fultz especially since he still can't shoot beyond the Mid-range.

By year 3 or 4 you typically know what type of player you will have in the future and Fultz is heading into his 6th year. At some point you have to stop saying this year is his year. I just don't see Fultz being more than a role player at this point

Murray is a poor 3 point shooter, who slowly grew into his role, also lost a year to a torn ACL, both went to Washington. In year 4 Murray was averaging 11 PPG and 4 assists. Murray broke out as a 25 year old.

The potential doesn't necessarily have to be statical and just because they share some similar hardships doesn't mean they are the same player. Murray's total game has gotten better every single year where you see the potential, where as Fultz (though a small sample size) seems to have stagnanted. Murray has been improving, while in the case of Fultz, we are still hoping he improves and stays consistent.

Yes, there are some outliers but I will go with the general rule you typically know what type of player you have by year 3 or 4.