Playing buy or sell with 2019-20 NBA preseason trends

The real Markelle Fultz is on the horizon

The flashes of former brilliance — the kind that made him the consensus top prospect in a talented 2017 NBA Draft class — have been plentiful so far in the preseason. On a smaller market team like the Orlando Magic, Markelle Fultz would get his chance to make good on all that pre-draft hype, not the mention their sensible but still risky investment in him via a $12.3 million team option for 2020-21.

Fultz had already proven he could contribute as a lanky defender and playmaker during his limited action with the Sixers, but it was his scoring ability that was noticeably absent. Hell, the dude could barely shoot free throws thanks to his thoracic outlet syndrome, let alone launch from 3-point range anymore.

To that end, it’s been great to see the story of one of the most confusing No. 1 overall picks take a turn for the better. He hasn’t strayed far from his comfort zone in terms of his shot selection, but it’s pretty clear the upside is still there:

Throwing down wide-open hammers on the break is one thing, but moves like this up-and-under, or this steal, behind-the-back dribble and strong-armed finish in transition are exactly the kinds of plays that NBA fans were expecting from day one:

Unfortunately, as easy as it is to get caught up in a few impressive highlights, the eye test doesn’t tell the whole story. In six preseason games, Fultz is averaging just 6.7 points, 4.0 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 19.1 minutes per game off the bench. Even more concerning, he’s committing 2.7 turnovers a night and posting .315/.000/.667 shooting splits.

It’s great to see Fultz back on the court trying to shake years of rust, injury and yips off, but anyone watching intently can tell the flashes of former greatness are still few and far between. It’ll be a while before he recaptures his former confidence, if that day indeed ever comes.

Verdict: Sell