As playoffs start, Fultz never doubted he would be involved
CAMDEN, N.J. » Markelle Fultz practiced fully Friday, running the point for the Sixers, working up a sweat, pinning down the game plan for Game 1 of the Sixers’ postseason.
Who would have games ago?
Who could have guessed that he would be expected to contribute heavily in the postseason?
Where did that come from, after all those weeks and months and doubts, as he spent most of the season rehabbing his shoulder?
“My goal was to get out there as soon as possible,” Fultz said. “I never had a thought about sitting out this year or anything like that.”
Fultz played the first four games of the season, sat out the next 68 while therapists and shooting instructors reimagined his shoulder, then played the last 10. In that time, he bumped T.J. McConnell down a notch on the depth chart, impressed Brett Brown and the fan base and, in his last game against Milwaukee, unloaded a triple-double of 13 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds. expected that 10
The Sixers may or may not advance far in the playoffs. But they are convinced it will be connected at some level to Fultz’s new readiness.
“I wanted to get back on the court,” Fultz said. “I didn’t want to take the gift I got from God for granted. So I just wanted to work as hard as I could to make myself feel better.”
The top overall pick in the last draft was impressive in his 10-game mini-audition, using his sneaky length to score from inside and to run an offense at a high level. Ben Simmons will be critical to any Sixers success. McConnell could matter later in the series. But Fultz is high in the mix … and not very long after he wasn’t in the mix at all.
“This will be my first time playing in a playoff game, so I expect it to be physical, and for me not to get any calls just being a rookie and a young guy,” he said. “But I am just looking forward to getting out there and playing my hardest.”
*** As expected, and as he all but announced Wednesday, Joel Embiid officially was pronounced out for at least Game 1 of the Heat series. Game 2 will be Monday, and Brett Brown proved to be no fountain of optimism that he would have his center by then, either.
Wearing a protective mask as he continues to recover from surgery to a left-eye orbital bone, Embiid engaged in “non-contact, individual” workouts Friday. Sixers practices are not open to the press, but Embiid was seen afterward, shooting, shooting and in a full sweat.
He has not played since colliding with Fultz on the court March 28. In his absence, the Sixers extended an eightgame winning streak to 16. Embiid has declared his situation, “day by day.”
*** J.J. Redick, who missed the Sixers’ victory over the Bucks Wednesday with tightness in his lower back, practiced Friday and showed his usual fine shooting form in an extended, post-practice drill.
“It’s improving,” he said. “I’ll be ready to go (Saturday).”
*** NOTES » The Sixers are 20-3 since they added Ersan Ilyasova. … As has been the case, Amir Johnson will start Saturday at center in place of Embiid. … Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (knee), who has not played since March 11, was declared out for Game 1 with right-knee tendinitis . ... Miami has lost 12 of its last 14 roard games.