John Raoux / Associated Press
Orlando Magic shipowner Markelle Fultz will miss the rest of the season after suffering an ACL tear in his left knee during Wednesday’s game against Cleveland Cavaliers, the team announced.
Fultz crashed while driving through the painting, just minutes after the game started. The team ruled he left for the rest of the contest followed, noting that it would be evaluated later.
Injuries have been a constant story around Fultz since the Philadelphia 76ers brought him into the league, making him the No. 1 overall choice in the 2017 draft.
The 22-year-old played just 14 games as a rookie and averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds when attempting just a three-point attempt. A shoulder injury kept him out of the court and seemed to affect his pitch when he played.
After 19 games in his second season, his agent, Raymond Brothers, told the 76ers that his client would not play or train until he saw a specialist, for example. David Aldridge Atlético.
Adrian Wojnarowski ESPN wrote at the time that Fultz “has lost the ability to execute and follow long-distance shots, and there has been an internal and external debate about how much of this disconcerting circumstance is physical versus mental”.
To his credit, the point guard recovered last season and averaged 12.1 points, 5.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals, helping to bring Orlando into the playoffs.
He has been even better in seven games this season, with 14.3 points, 6.1 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.0 steals a night.
Look for Cole Anthony to serve as the main point guard with Fultz out, while Dwayne Bacon and Terrence Ross will likely provide assistance in handling the ball.