Former 1st Overall Pick Is Still A Free Agent On Verge Of NBA Season

Markelle Fultz, who was the first pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, is still a free agent on October 21.

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Markelle Fultz (Washington) walks off stage after being introduced as the number one overall pick to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Markelle Fultz is coming off his seventh season in the NBA.

The former Washington star averaged 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 47.2% from the field and 22.2% from the three-point range in 43 games for the Orlando Magic.

Over the offseason, Fultz became a free agent who is available to sign with any team in the NBA.

On October 21, the 26-year-old still remains unsigned.

Apr 5, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) brings the ball up court during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Fultz was the first pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers after one season of college basketball.

He spent part of two seasons with the 76ers before getting traded to the Magic in 2019.

His career averages are 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 47.2% from the field and 27.4% from the three-point range in 234 games.

MARKELLE FULTZ COMING FOR HEADS 🫣 (via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/ZvCy6HlyBa

— Overtime (@overtime) February 15, 2023

Many fans have been confused as to why Fultz is still available.

Via @ItsReallyLebron on October 21: "How Markelle Fultz isnt in the NBA is wild lol , yeah his Jumper was iffy but he can actually score and playmake"

How Markelle Fultz isnt in the NBA is wild lol , yeah his Jumper was iffy but he can actually score and playmake

— JimmysGymSocks (@ItsReallyLebron) October 21, 2024

Via @JRriseto on October 20: "There are teams in the nba I hate with a passion but man they could use a Markelle Fultz basketball iq from the bench at least"

There are teams in the nba I hate with a passion but man they could use a Markelle Fultz basketball iq from the bench at least

— JR (@JRriseto) October 21, 2024

Via @IamKingPolk on October 9: "Crazy Markelle Fultz still a free agent"

Crazy Markelle Fultz still a free agent

— Picture Me Rollin 👑 (@IamKingPolk) October 10, 2024

Via @whoisoriginel on October 3: "Markelle Fultz and Robert Covington still being free agents as NBA training camps start is shocking to me."

Markelle Fultz and Robert Covington still being free agents as NBA training camps start is shocking to me.

— Nelson (@whoisoriginel) October 3, 2024

The 2024-25 NBA season will begin on Tuesday evening when the Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks.