Markelle Fultz Joins the Sacramento Kings: A New Chapter for the Former No. 1 Pick
In a move that has stirred excitement among basketball fans, free agent guard Markelle Fultz has agreed to a deal with the Sacramento Kings. This news was confirmed by his agent and attorney, Raymond Brothers of I AM Sports & Entertainment, who shared the update with ESPN on Wednesday night.
The Sacramento Kings have been on the lookout for a point guard ever since the trade-deadline departure of De’Aaron Fox. The acquisition of Fultz, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, marks a significant step in filling that void. After spending the offseason rehabbing from injury, Fultz attracted interest from multiple teams. He eventually narrowed his options down to a couple of finalists before reaching an agreement with the Kings.
According to Brothers, Fultz is healthy and ready to play, which is music to the ears of Kings fans eager to see what the talented guard can bring to the team.
Fultz, now 26, has spent the past 5½ seasons with the Orlando Magic, where he served as the starting point guard in two of those seasons. The 2022-23 season was particularly noteworthy for Fultz, as he delivered his best and most well-rounded performance yet. He averaged 13.9 points, 5.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 29.6 minutes per game, all of which were career highs.
However, Fultz’s journey has not been without its challenges. Last season, he faced an injury-riddled campaign, appearing in only 43 games. Despite these setbacks, his potential and skill have never been in question, and the Kings are hopeful that he can bring his A-game to Sacramento.
The Kings’ Recent Performance
The Kings have been on a roll lately, winning three games in a row and boasting a 15-8 record since the firing of Mike Brown and the appointment of Doug Christie as the interim head coach. This change in leadership seems to have injected new energy into the team, and the addition of Fultz could further bolster their performance.
Since the trade of Fox, Malik Monk has been serving as the primary point guard. With Fultz now in the mix, the Kings have more options and depth in their backcourt, which could prove crucial as they aim to maintain their winning momentum.
What This Means for the Kings
- The addition of Fultz provides the Kings with a versatile and dynamic point guard who can contribute both offensively and defensively.
- Fultz’s ability to create plays and score will be a valuable asset to the Kings’ lineup.
- His experience and leadership could help guide the younger players on the team.
As the Kings continue their quest for success, the arrival of Markelle Fultz is a promising development. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds for both Fultz and the Sacramento Kings.
Originally Written by: Shams Charania
