What Happened to Markelle N'Gai Fultz?
Markelle Fultz, the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, has experienced a career marked by significant injury setbacks, most notably thoracic outlet syndrome and an ACL tear. After struggling with the Philadelphia 76ers and finding a period of resurgence with the Orlando Magic, he later played for the Sacramento Kings and is currently on a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors as of March 23, 2026.
Quick Answer
Markelle Fultz, the 2017 No. 1 NBA Draft pick, has had a challenging career due to injuries, including thoracic outlet syndrome and a torn ACL. After an initial difficult stint with the Philadelphia 76ers, he found a more stable role with the Orlando Magic from 2019 to 2024. He then signed with the Sacramento Kings in 2025 for a brief period. As of March 23, 2026, Fultz has signed a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, following a stint with their G League affiliate, the Raptors 905.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Drafted First Overall by Philadelphia 76ers
Markelle Fultz was selected as the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, signing his rookie contract on July 8.
Rookie Season Shoulder Injury and Shooting Struggles
Fultz's rookie season was marred by a mysterious shoulder injury, initially termed a 'scapular muscle imbalance,' which severely affected his shooting form and limited him to just 14 games.
Diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
After prolonged struggles, Fultz was diagnosed with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) in his right shoulder, a condition impacting nerve function and muscle control.
Traded to Orlando Magic
Fultz was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Jonathon Simmons and draft picks, providing him a fresh start.
Magic Debut and Resurgence
Fultz made his debut for the Orlando Magic, showing promising playmaking and scoring, and began to establish himself as a key player for the team.
Signs Contract Extension with Magic
Fultz signed a three-year, $50 million contract extension with the Orlando Magic, signaling the team's belief in his long-term potential.
Suffers Torn Left ACL
Fultz suffered a torn left ACL during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, ending his 2020-21 season prematurely and requiring extensive rehabilitation.
Returns from ACL Injury
Fultz made his return to the court after more than a year of recovery from his ACL tear, playing against the Indiana Pacers.
Career-High Scoring Game
Fultz recorded a career-high 28 points in a 113-108 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, showcasing his offensive capabilities.
Departs from Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic opted not to re-sign Fultz in the 2024 offseason, as the team had 'outgrown his limitations' and sought different roster needs.
Signs with Sacramento Kings
After going unsigned for several months, Fultz signed a contract with the Sacramento Kings, providing them with a backup point guard option.
Claimed by Raptors 905 (G League)
Fultz was claimed off waivers by the Raptors 905, the NBA G League affiliate of the Toronto Raptors, to work on regaining game shape.
Signs 10-Day Contract with Toronto Raptors
Markelle Fultz signed a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, marking his return to the NBA roster after his G League stint.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Markelle Fultz's professional basketball journey began with immense expectations when he was selected as the first overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2017 NBA Draft. His rookie season, however, was quickly derailed by a mysterious shoulder injury that severely impacted his shooting form, later diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). This condition, which compresses nerves in the neck and shoulder, limited him to just 33 games over two seasons with the 76ers, leading to widespread speculation and pressure.
In February 2019, Fultz was traded to the Orlando Magic, a move that offered a fresh start away from the intense scrutiny in Philadelphia. With the Magic, he began to show flashes of his potential, demonstrating strong playmaking and defensive skills, and even signed a contract extension in December 2020. However, his progress was again halted in January 2021 when he suffered a torn left ACL, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2020-21 season and much of the 2021-22 season.
Fultz returned to play in February 2022 and continued to contribute to the Magic, recording career highs in assists and points in 2023. Despite his efforts, the 2023-24 season saw him battling persistent left knee tendinitis, which he later revealed involved small fractures, limiting his effectiveness and playing time. The Magic, evolving into a playoff contender, ultimately decided to move on from Fultz, not re-signing him in the 2024 offseason, as they sought more consistent production and three-point shooting.
After going unsigned for the initial part of the 2024-25 season, Fultz signed with the Sacramento Kings in February 2025, aiming to provide depth at the point guard position. He appeared in 21 games for the Kings during the 2024-25 season, averaging 2.9 points, 1.0 rebound, and 1.3 assists in limited minutes. His time with the Kings was brief, and he subsequently joined the Raptors 905, the Toronto Raptors' G League affiliate, on March 6, 2026, to regain game shape.
As of March 23, 2026, Markelle Fultz has signed a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors. This opportunity comes as the Raptors face injuries to key guards, offering Fultz another chance to prove himself in the NBA during his ninth professional season. He is expected to be active for their game against the Utah Jazz.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Markelle N'Gai Fultz made different choices?