Markelle Fultz Discussion

[Chris76]

I wouldn't either, but he's the level Fultz should attain. I think the ceiling can be a Harden as they have similar length and game type (poor defenders out of college, 6'4ish with 6'10+ wingspan). I don't see him becoming Harden, but somewhere in the middle between McCollum and Harden is what I'm hopeful for.

If I thought Fultz resembled anything closes to Harden, he'd be worth three top 5 picks. He isn't nearly as skilled as Harden was at the same stage. Fultz's​ handle is below average for a starting NBA PG, and while he is a good passer, he doesn't have close to the creativity or awareness of Harden. Harden is an NBA anomaly. Every slow 6'4 player isn't going to become James Harden. Harden's skill level is on a different planet.

... And there is a Grand canyon sized gap in skill and awareness between CJ McCollum and Harden, too.

I don't know what point is being hammered home here. I didn't say I expected him to be Harden, I don't think Harden and McCollum are close in skill level, I don't think every 6'4 prospect is going to be Jame Harden (although if there ever was going to be one, they'd probably be the first pick in the draft...).

And I said I'm hoping Fultz can land somewhere in between that Harden and McCollum threshold. If Harden is "worth three top five picks" and McCollum is worth none, Fultz will land slightly in the middle with one and a half (don't think Lakers will be a top five pick next year; questionable if the Kings will still be this bad the year following) valuation and we can all be content, no?

Alonzo looks like a very good player, however he may have trouble with good defenders. If players like Fox and other good defensive guards can crowd Alonzo, he may struggle with shooting and assists. Anyway, Fultz should be able to deal with good defensive PGs, he can make contested shots. He is more like a mini Kobe, he should be able to takeover a game, when needed.

[LongLiveHinkie]

Calling Fultz's handle "below average for a starting PG" is just the latest in a long line of bad takes here of late. Or maybe I should say misinformation. His handle is one of his best attributes.

[eyeatoma]

Shoulda picked Lonzo. He was clearly the better prospect

Agreed.

Really getting tired of your ad nauseum opinions...

[Misteclipse]

Shoulda picked Lonzo. He was clearly the better prospect

Agreed.

Really getting tired of your ad nauseum opinions...

He'll disappear in 6 months when Ball is shooting 35% from the field and turning the ball over en route to many many Lakers losses. Just gotta deal with it for now unfortunately.

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[Simmons25]

Shoulda picked Lonzo. He was clearly the better prospect

Yes... because drafting a guy that shoots 19% from 3 whilst chucking up at a rate that would make JR Smith blush... for a team that badly needs outside shooting was a MASSIVE mistake

[LordCovington33]

Agreed.

Really getting tired of your ad nauseum opinions...

He'll disappear in 6 months when Ball is shooting 35% from the field and turning the ball over en route to many many Lakers losses. Just gotta deal with it for now unfortunately.

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It is not like he is becoming more convincing the more times he repeats the same argument.

[Sixersftw]

He just agreed. Its not a huge deal. It would be one thing if it was purely a summer league hot take but he's always preferred Lonzo.

[Chris76]

Calling Fultz's handle "below average for a starting PG" is just the latest in a long line of bad takes here of late. Or maybe I should say misinformation. His handle is one of his best attributes.

I agree his handle is good. He will make better decisions with the starters. Also, I like his hesitation moves and he finishes thru contact. Although, Alonzo is going to be a great distributor, I think he will struggle against taller and stronger guards. Anyway, Fultz should have a great year!

[eagereyez]

Shoulda picked Lonzo. He was clearly the better prospect

Yes... because drafting a guy that shoots 19% from 3 whilst chucking up at a rate that would make JR Smith blush... for a team that badly needs outside shooting was a MASSIVE mistake

"Summer League stats don't matter, unless they fit my narrative."

[LongLiveHinkie]

Calling Fultz's handle "below average for a starting PG" is just the latest in a long line of bad takes here of late. Or maybe I should say misinformation. His handle is one of his best attributes.

I agree his handle is good. He will make better decisions with the starters. Also, I like his hesitation moves and he finishes thru contact. Although, Alonzo is going to be a great distributor, I think he will struggle against taller and stronger guards. Anyway, Fultz should have a great year!

His ability to create his own shot is his best attribute. Can't do that without being a really good ball handler. He is really crafty with the ball, watching him split double teams is pure eye candy. He's always in control. Even has a nasty crossover that he whips out from time to time too. Anyone who says he's a below average ball handler is very uneducated on all things Markelle Fultz.

[Mik317]

I think Fultz ability to get his own shot is more due to his footwork/balance than his handle. Those spins for example take great balance and footwork to do as often as he does. His actual handle is a bit loose (not bad of course) and could use some tightening up....luckily he will have a release valve in Simmons and others until he does.

[JojoSlimbiid]

If his handles are below average I wonder what some of the other drafted players handles are on that scale.

[sixerswillrule]

It will be a unique situation for a rookie PG since Fultz and Simmons will have each other to fall back on. Neither will have as much on their shoulders as they would otherwise. Plus having a low post option in Embiid and vets like Redick and Covington will help a lot.

[LongLiveHinkie]

I think Fultz ability to get his own shot is more due to his footwork/balance than his handle. Those spins for example take great balance and footwork to do as often as he does. His actual handle is a bit loose (not bad of course) and could use some tightening up....luckily he will have a release valve in Simmons and others until he does.

I think it's a combination of everything. His handles are not as good as DSJ's. Smith's are the best in the draft class by a wide margin. He's a ridiculous ball handler. But outside of him, Fultz is right there atop the draft class. The only knocks on him are sometimes dribbling it a little high or away from his body, but he's a natural at it, has great moves and always feels under control. You can tell he's very coordinated. He's going to be a fine ball handler in the NBA and will only get better.

[Xpressure]

You guys maybe tired hearing about Ball, but what irks me more actually are Mavs fans proclaiming that DSJ is a better player than Fultz that should've gone 1 or 2

[LongLiveHinkie]

Who gives a ****, let the regular season do the talking.

[Unbreakable99]

You guys maybe tired hearing about Ball, but what irks me more actually are Mavs fans proclaiming that DSJ is a better player than Fultz that should've gone 1 or 2

Mavs fans may be right. DSJ is more explosive than Fultz. His game should flourish in the NBA. I wouldn't say it's outlandish for people to expect DSJ to be the better player.

[cksdayoff]

markelle's the best prospect in the draft

[Unbreakable99]

markelle's the best prospect in the draft

Let's hope. I hope you're right.

[XtremeDunkz]

You guys maybe tired hearing about Ball, but what irks me more actually are Mavs fans proclaiming that DSJ is a better player than Fultz that should've gone 1 or 2

Mavs fans may be right. DSJ is more explosive than Fultz. His game should flourish in the NBA. I wouldn't say it's outlandish for people to expect DSJ to be the better player.

It's gonna be a long 3 months.