5 reasons Markelle Fultz would be perfect for the Sixers

By Chris Stone | Jun 16, 2017

Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 26, 2017; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) looks on form the bench during a game against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. The Cougars won 79-71. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Philadelphia still needs its franchise centerpiece

The purpose of Sam Hinkie’s Process was to use the NBA Draft to find a superstar. It’s cheaper and easier than acquiring one via a trade or free agency and from that perspective, moving up to snag Markelle Fultz makes sense. In fact, the truth is the Philadelphia 76ers are still looking for that long-term superstar, which is why this is the No. 1 argument for getting Fultz in a Sixers jersey.

The key here is that we don’t actually know whether or not Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid are the long-term solution. Simmons is a legitimately great prospect, but he has yet to play a game in the NBA and has plenty of warts that could hinder his chance at being an NBA superstar. On the other hand, we know Embiid is great. In 31 games this season, he averaged 28.7 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per 40 minutes. The problem, of course, is that there are serious questions about his ability to stay healthy.

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Drafting Fultz with the No. 1 pick would maximize the Sixers’ chances of fulfilling The Process by landing their franchise player. If you end up with two or three, that’s even better, but the shot at finding even one of them is why Philadelphia is justified in making this move.

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