Sixers: Why Trading up for Markelle Fultz Makes Sense

Over the past couple of years, the Philadelphia 76ers have been compiling assets in order to improve their basketball team. With a chance to grab Markelle Fultz, one of the most talented point guards in years, it is time for the Sixers to utilize those assets.

The Sixers have entered each of the past three drafts hoping to get a guard of the future but were unable to. Unfortunately, their current draft position will likely bar them from getting both Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball, who are both being touted as future superstar point guards.

According to Chad Ford, the Boston Celtics are strongly interested in Kansas SG/SF, Josh Jackson. It has also been reported by Adrian Wojnarowski that Philadelphia is discussing a move with the Boston Celtics for the top pick in the draft, which would bring Markelle Fultz to Philadelphia.

Danny Ainge would never settle for a simple pick swap. Ainge has been set on building up a large supply of assets, and it is unknown to everyone what he plans on doing with them. It appears that the team may be able to acquire Utah SF, Gordon Hayward, which would allow them to hold on to their picks for the time being.

More from Philadelphia 76ers

If it’s picks that Ainge is looking to get, the Sixers are the team to talk to. Right now, they have the 2017 number three pick, an unprotected 2018 Lakers first round picks to go along with their own, as well as an unprotected 2018 Kings first round pick in addition to their own.

It is probably safe to say that not many other teams could match the Sixers value in draft picks right now, maybe excluding only the Sacramento Kings.

The Sixers have the assets. All they need to do is use them. The only players the team should mark as untouchable are Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Dario Saric.

Pairing these uber-talented young players with Markelle Fultz would give the Sixers one of the most talented young rosters in the entire league. They could possibly contend for a playoff position if the team could stay healthy, something that fans have been waiting for, for a long time.

Adding Markelle Fultz to the Philadelphia 76ers would make the team wildly interesting. Fans around the globe would take notice of the rising talent on the team, as well as free agents. More players could see the benefits of coming to Philadelphia, knowing they’d be able to play with Embiid, Simmons, Saric, and Fultz.

It is clear the Sixers have the means to make this trade happen. But despite all the great things that Fultz would bring to the organization, did I mention that he is also a really really good basketball player?

Markelle Fultz, standing at 6’4”, weighing 195lbs, is considered the number one basketball player in the draft. He was one of the best scorers in college basketball, and his game is 100% NBA ready.

Fultz is a quick, flashy player who can get to anywhere he wants on the basketball court. His ball-handling ability is incredible, and he can easily create space between his defenders.

Fultz’s ball-handling and quickness allows him to penetrate the defense, blowing by three defenders and finding the open man. /

To go along with his superior ball-handling is his passing vision. Despite being a scoring machine on offense, he is completely adept at getting his teammates involved in the game. He averaged 6 assists at Washington, which is incredible for NCAA standards. Adding a prolific passer next to Simmons and Saric will make the team very interesting, to say the least.

One of the key demands of the Sixers right now is a shooter. Markelle Fultz certainly fills that void at the point guard position, as he shot 41% from three off of 126 attempts last season. He excels in both catch-and-shoot and pick-and-roll situations, both of which are very important to the Sixers offense.

Fultz uses a screen to get past defenders and pull up for a three point shot. /

Perhaps Fultz’s greatest ability is his ability to create shots. He is a complete offensive guard and was extremely difficult to stop last year in one-on-one situations. Fultz is athletic enough to get to the rim and finish inside and is also skilled enough to create space on his own and knock down shots. His offensive skills are similar to all-stars, James Harden and Kyrie Irving, two of the best scorers in the world. Fultz is deadly from mid-range and has demonstrated that he isn’t afraid of pulling up and taking contested jumpers. He shot 50% on two-pointers last year, proving his capability to score inside the three-point line.

Fultz breaks down a defender with a spin, hitting a jumper right in his face. /

1. Fultz crosses up his defender and finishes a tough shot inside with the right hand. 2. Fultz uses a series of hesitations along with a screen, to hit a three to tie the game. /

One of the most promising things about Fultz’s game is his transition ability. He is an explosive athlete who can play above the rim and use his speed to get past defenders. His finishing ability makes him very hard to stop when he drive the lane. This is something that would fit perfectly alongside Ben Simmons, who is expected to push the ball in transition very frequently.

Next: How does Markelle Fultz affect this offseason?

Markelle Fultz is a player worth trading for. Overpaying for a young, talented kid who fits perfectly with your team is something the Sixers shouldn’t be scared of doing. He is the player that the Sixers have desperately been waiting for, and it is time to make the move and grab him.

All eyes are on you, Brian Colangelo. Get the deal done.

Sixers: Why trading up for Markelle Fultz makes sense

By Dylan Andrade | Jun 17, 2017

Over the past couple of years, the Philadelphia 76ers have been compiling assets in order to improve their basketball team. With a chance to grab Markelle Fultz, one of the most talented point guards in years, it is time for the Sixers to utilize those assets.