Former NBA 1st Overall Pick Is Still A Free Agent

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

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-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Markelle Fultz is coming off his fifth year playing for the Orlando Magic.

The former Washington star finished the regular season with averages of 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 47.2% form the field and 22.2% from the three-point range in 43 games.

This summer, Fultz became a free agent, and he is still available to be signed by any team in the league.

Mar 31, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Fultz was the first pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.

He has played seven seasons in the league (for the Magic and 76ers).

While Fultz has never lived up to being the top pick, he is still a reliable role player who could help a lot of teams.

Mar 13, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz practices before a game against the Indiana Pacers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Fultz spent the first two seasons of his career with the 76ers before getting traded to Orlando in the middle of the 2018-19 season.

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 regular season games.

He has also appeared in 15 NBA playoff games (five starts).

Via Evan Sidery on June 29: "Markelle Fultz will receive interest from a number of teams in free agency seeking further backcourt help.

The 2017 No. 1 overall pick has developed into a solid defender during his tenure with the Magic.

With Orlando’s guard depth, Fultz will likely depart for a bigger role."

Markelle Fultz will receive interest from a number of teams in free agency seeking further backcourt help.

The 2017 No. 1 overall pick has developed into a solid defender during his tenure with the Magic.

With Orlando’s guard depth, Fultz will likely depart for a bigger role. pic.twitter.com/FusXZLtudj

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 29, 2024

As for the Magic, they are coming off a year where they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the NBA playoffs (in seven games).