Markelle Fultz has not had the career he thought he would after being selected No. 1 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers back in the 2017 NBA Draft. The Washington Huskies product was tantalizing as a true freshman, leading the nation in scoring at 23.2 points per game. Averaging 5.7 rebounds per game and 5.9 assists per game, scouts were enamored by the versatility of the young guard.
Fultz has not been able to replicate that same level of success in the NBA. His career started in disaster, with reports of his shot going awry and rumors of a shoulder injury before he even started any games. He appeared in only 33 total games in his first two seasons, averaging single digits in points on a jumper that did not look the same as it did in college.
Former Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz is joining the Sacramento Kings.Mike Watters-Imagn Images
(Mike Watters-Imagn Images)
After trading with the Boston Celtics for the No. 1 pick to select Fultz, Philly was hoping he would join No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 Draft Joel Embiid and No. 1 overall pick from the 2016 Draft Ben Simmons as cornerstones of the franchise. Yet not even three full seasons into his career, Fultz was sent to the Orlando Magic during the 2019-2020 NBA trade deadline for Jonathan Simmons, a 2019 second-round pick and a protected 2020 first-round pick.
Fultz was able to finally pull things together in his third NBA season, appearing in 72 games while starting in 60 of them. Averaging per game totals of 12.1 points, 5.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds, things began to once again look promising for the young star. The positive momentum was short-lived, as Fultz tore his ACL after eight games in a January 6th matchup against the Boston Celtics.
Fultz would eventually recover and spent five seasons with the Magic. His best year came during the 2022-23 season, where he averaged a career high in points per game at 14.0, assists per game at 5.7, and rebounds per game at 3.9. He spent last season with the Sacramento Kings, appearing in 21 games on only 8.8 minutes per game. On Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Fultz has found a new home, at least for the next 10 days.
“Former No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz is signing a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors,” Shams wrote on X. “Raymond Brothers of I Am Sports & Entertainment tells ESPN. Fultz joins Toronto for his ninth NBA season after spending time with the Raptors 905 G League team.”
The Raptors will play the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.