Don’t worry, Philadelphia 76ers: Markelle Fultz will not be joining Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel and Ben Simmons as the latest top prospect to miss his entire rookie campaign with an injury.
It’s unfortunate we even have to talk about this, but alas, Fultz suffered an ankle injury during summer-league play that warranted x-rays. Embiid was, naturally, concerned:
Oh no no no.. don't do this to us
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) July 9, 2017
Fultz quelled concerns with a disclaimer of his own, though:
I'm ok, thank you for all who where worried! ??#F2G #TTP
— Markelle Fultz (@MarkelleF) July 9, 2017
The Sixers followed suit, announcing the point guard is expected to miss the rest of summer league as he begins a one-to-two week recovery period:
A @sixers PR guy undoubtedly sprained a finger typing this. pic.twitter.com/R6jn7qZXq2
— Dan Levy (@DanLevyThinks) July 9, 2017
“Phew,” goes all of Philly.
It’s good that this wasn’t a serious injury, and we shouldn’t use this incident to chastise the Sixers or the existence of summer league altogether. Fultz’s injury is, however, a reminder that we shouldn’t hold it against players when they choose not to participate in the offseason exhibition.
There is no real upside when you think about it. Play poorly, and people start questioning you. Play well, and it’s written off as “It’s only summer league.” Get injured, and, well, you’ve done so for essentially nothing.
But forget about all this. Right now, we have only one job: rejoicing in the fact that Fultz, unlike Embiid, Noel and Simmons before him, remains on track to play during his rookie campaign.
