What Happened To Markelle Fultz? Everything To Know

Markelle Fultz’s journey in the NBA has been a story of adversity, misunderstanding, and resilience. Since being drafted No. 1 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017, Fultz faced numerous challenges, including injury issues and media scrutiny.

One of the most misunderstood aspects of his early career was his shoulder injury, which led to significant changes in his shot mechanics and an overall decline in his performance.

In an interview on the Rematch podcast, Fultz opened up about the truth behind his struggles, shedding light on the reality of playing through an injury and how it impacted his career.

The Shoulder Injury and Playing Through Pain

Fultz revealed that he first experienced pain in his shoulder before his rookie training camp, but he initially thought it was just normal soreness from the heavy shooting regimen.

However, his determination to play through it only worsened the injury. The pain was eventually diagnosed as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), a condition that puts pressure on the nerves and restricts movement, making it extremely difficult to shoot properly.

Lack of Diagnosis and Misunderstood Shot Mechanics

One of the biggest misconceptions about Fultz was the change in his shooting mechanics.

Many people speculated that he had altered his shot for no reason, or even believed rumors about him being injured in a motorcycle accident.

In reality, Fultz was compensating for the lack of feeling in his shoulder due to TOS, which made it feel like his arm was being held back during shooting motions.

As a result, his shooting form became awkward, and he often had to double-clutch or use different routines to get through free throws.

The Importance of Advocating for Yourself

Fultz stressed how important it is for athletes to advocate for their own health, particularly when it comes to managing injuries. He pointed out that team trainers and doctors sometimes prioritize the team’s needs over the individual player’s health, which can lead to more severe injuries down the road.

As he learned to communicate better with his team, his family, and his agents about his physical condition, Fultz was able to begin the rehabilitation process and take the necessary steps to get back to his best form.

The Mental Toll of Injury and Media Scrutiny

The emotional toll of playing through an injury while dealing with public scrutiny was another major challenge for Fultz.

He expressed how he felt the pressure to perform at a high level as a No. 1 pick, which led him to try and play through pain instead of speaking up sooner.

He regretted not advocating for himself earlier, as it only delayed his recovery and affected his performance.

Moving Forward and the Recovery Process

Today, Fultz feels more in tune with his body and has become better at understanding when to push through discomfort and when to rest.

He’s continued to work on his shooting form and is much more confident in his abilities.

He acknowledged that recovery is a long-term process and that he will always need to stay on top of his health to avoid further setbacks.

Fultz’s story is a powerful reminder that athletes, especially young ones, need to prioritize their long-term health over the pressures of immediate performance.

The lesson he imparts is clear: communication with those around you, whether it’s trainers, agents, or family, is key to ensuring that injuries don’t define your career.

His journey also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring your body’s signals in favor of trying to play through pain.