‘I’m getting closer’
Fultz senses return to Magic as ACL recovery moves to next stage
Markelle Fultz is ready for contact. Jonathan Isaac needs more time.
Friday, in an informal media session at the Orlando Magic’s practice, president Jeff Weltman said they’ve taken the next step in their recoveries.
Fultz spoke, too. He senses a return to help his team, 4-15 going into Friday night’s home game with the Chicago Bulls.
“I’m getting closer and closer to getting back on the court,” Fultz said. “Of course my excitement is just very high, but I also want to be smart and just listen to my body, listen to our medical staff and the doctors. We’ve been doing really well though. I’m very excited where I’m at and where I’m going.”
Fultz, the No. 1 overall pick in 2017’s draft, tore his left knee ligament (ACL) while averaging career highs in points (14.3) and assists (6.1).
Fultz could be seen in 2-on-2 drills with Magic teammates Friday after shootaround.
Isaac, who had just recovered from a major left knee injury, tore his ACL during the “bubble” on Aug. 2, 2020, after the league returned from an almost fivemonth hiatus because of COVID19.
“They’re both moving forward and they’re doing great. As a matter of fact, I actually can tell you that Markelle, we just sent him down this week to start practicing with Lakeland because they’ll have more live-action situations than we’ll have in the middle of an NBA season,” Weltman said, referring to the franchise’s G-League team.
“So, he’s starting to ramp up to that phase where he’s actually getting involved in some live action,” Weltman continued. “Jonathan isn’t at that point yet, but he continues to make great, steady progress and they’re both doing really well.”
What the Magic are doing in this regard isn’t uncommon. In recent years NBA teams have moved away from putting timelines on recovery from injuries because those are just estimates.
If a player’s recovery lasts longer than the stated estimates, it leads to “What’s wrong?” questions and can feed endless speculation. And it takes the pressure off the player who might feel rushed to meet the timeline, which can lead to more complications.
“There’s a right way to do this and the most important thing for Jonathan is not just that we address the injury, but his whole body,” Weltman said of Isaac. “He’s missed essentially two years of action and there’s a lot that comes with that. So, making sure that his body is balanced, that it’s strengthened everywhere, that his core is tight. In the meantime, he’s using the time very productively. His body is filling out, his shot looks way improved from the last time he was on the court, and he’s in a really good place.”
Being able to do contact drills is a major step in the right direction for Fultz. The next day is key. Is there soreness, swelling or pain?
The recovery and workout schedule are adjusted accordingly. It can be sped up or slowed down. A lot can change. Or maybe nothing changes at all.
“Markelle is at the point now where he’s kind of ramping it up a
little bit. Still no timeline applied to that, but it’s just an indication that he’s making good progress,” Weltman said. “Their days really don’t change whether the team is on the
road or at home. As they get further along, at some point, they’ll travel with the team.
“I hope that the part of the way that we manage their rehabilitation is understood by the fans in that a big part of this is the mental aspect of it. This is a long, long grind for these guys, and being able to show up every day. That’s why it’s not fair to them, it’s not healthy to put constant timelines on it because this is a long process. They just have to know that they’re work is paying dividends and they’re very much involved in the process through the imaging, the doctor consults, all these things that move us along. So, they’re both doing great.”