Checking in on Markelle Fultz since his return to the Orlando Magic

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MARCH 05: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game at FedExForum on March 05, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

With the Orlando Magic now firmly focused on this summer’s NBA Draft, you would be forgiven if you haven’t been paying attention to them recently. In truth, most don’t seem to pay attention even when they are competent, as proven by their previous back-to-back playoff appearances of a couple of years ago that nobody seemed to care about.

The hope now, of course, is that in the next few years people will start to care again. This is because the core of Franz Wagner, Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr., and Jalen Suggs looks like it could be the real deal sooner rather than later. Add in another high lottery pick, and the coming seasons look a lot better.

Checking in on Markelle Fultz since his return to the Orlando Magic

Point guard Markelle Fultz was getting lost in the shuffle as a result of an ACL tear, but now that he is back on a basketball court, it is worth checking in.

Firstly, to even be out there is great news, especially since it was announced recently that we won’t see Jonathan Isaac for the remainder of the regular season. While this was hardly shocking, it will mean two full seasons missed for a player that many hoped would be the defensive lynchpin that the team could build an identity around.

So getting Fultz back after the same ACL injury as Isaac is a bonus. It is also some form of validation for a backroom staff that has come under a fair amount of criticism for the baffling number of random injuries that have hit their players (remember Anthony’s random cracked rib during his rookie season?).