76ers 'Gave Up Too Early' by Trading Magic Guard Markelle Fultz, Says Joel Embiid

The Orlando Magic acquired Markelle Fultz from the Philadelphia 76ers nearly four years ago. And that's a decision some people look back on as a regret, including Joel Embiid.

Jeremy Brener | Feb 1, 2023

76ers 'Gave Up Too Early' by Trading Magic Guard Markelle Fultz, Says Joel Embiid /

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - Nobody would blame Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz for having a chip on his shoulder after he was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019.

Despite the trade that took place nearly four years ago, Fultz hadn't played as a visitor in his first NBA home until Monday.

The former No. 1 pick made his former team pay, scoring 12 points and dishing 10 assists in the Magic's win against the 76ers ... which prompted his former teammate Joel Embiid to reveal his feelings about that fateful trade.

“When we did trade him, I was disappointed because I felt like we had given up on him too early," Embiid said after Monday's game. "Even back then, even without a jump shot, I still thought he was an amazing talent just because he's so quick. I know he's a great playmaker.”

Fultz has struggled with injuries, and still may not be the best shooter, but he is making progress. Fultz's 49 percent shooting from the field is the best he's had in his career. And he's also proving to be a reliable playmaker with a career-high 5.7 assists.

While Fultz will always have this blemish on his career with the 76ers and being drafted ahead of Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, he's proving now that the 76ers were quick to move off of him and that he still has the talent worthy of that top pick six years ago.

The Magic and 76ers play again in Philadelphia tonight at 7 p.m.

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Published Feb 1, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.