Happy Friday morning.

Let’s check in on former Sixer Markelle Fultz, via Magic head coach Steve Clifford at the NBA Draft Combine:

Clifford:

“I think we have the same philosophy with Markelle as when he got here. He’s been with us for about 5 or 6 weeks. He’s still strengthening the shoulder, he works with one of my assistants, Steve Hetzel, every day, and he’s made good progress. We have no timetable on his return, but so far, so good. He’s obviously super talented, a great person, and working really hard.”

Markelle was traded to Orlando for Jonathon Simmons and a pair of draft picks back on February 7th. He played 19 games for the Sixers this season, averaging 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, before coming out of the lineup on November 19th to seek independent medical opinions on his shoulder. He was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and you know how the rest of the story goes.

Kind of crazy how Markelle’s ineffectiveness was a catalyst for the Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris trades. Fultz was to be the third piece alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, a combo guard who could create his own shot, drive to the rim, and add a new element to the Sixers offense.

It did not work out that way.