Markelle Fultz set for the stage of being No. 1 pick
In the often unpredictable world of the NBA, there is some symmetry in Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons likely becoming teammates as pros.
Barring an unforeseen change, Fultz will be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on Thursday night, joining Simmons with the Philadelphia 76ers in an attempt to invigorate a once proud franchise. Two stars worthy of the top pick in consecutive years, neither of which was able to lead their college programs to team success in their one season on campus.
LSU didn’t reach the NCAA Tournament in Simmons’ lone year in Baton Rouge before becoming the top pick by the Sixers last year, and Washington finished 9-22 this season with Fultz.
Of course, that’s about where the connections between Fultz and Simmons end. They have different skillsets and personalities, but will likely be at the core of how Philadelphia tries to return to relevance.
Fultz is a natural talent on the court that moves with fluidity and ease, and his abilities and tendencies have been dissected heavily heading into Thursday’s draft. Off the court, he is exceedingly loyal to those that believe in him.
He is also a fan of posting trick shots to social media. A lover of Chick-fil-A and his own homemade fried rice. His drive and humility comes from once being cut from the varsity of his high school team.
“When I’m on the court, I feel at peace really,” Fultz said in an interview last October with the Associated Press. “It feels like my home. I’m always thinking of something creative to do like trick shots or something like that. It’s just something about the basketball court that touches me, it makes me feel like nothing is wrong on the court.” Kelsey Plum, the former Huskies guard and NCAA alltime scoring leader in women’s basketball, became buds with Fultz during the one season they were both at Washington. She says Fultz has remained grounded despite the circus atmosphere.
One of her most vivid memories: A Friday night that Fultz joined Plum for dinner after her game even though he already had eaten.
“He came and sat with me while I ate at a restaurant. I don’t know any number one pick that would do that on a Friday night. God knows what you could be doing in college on a Friday night,” Plum said. “That’s just the type of guy he is. I’ve always respected that about him. He really has never changed who he is.
“For someone that is such a superstar, he stood out to me because he was so humble and under the radar,” she continued. “That’s kind of an oxymoron, but I mean he is so not into himself.”