Markelle Fultz claimed by Raptors 905
Markelle Fultz has been claimed by Raptors 905 off waivers, a significant move for the 27-year-old guard who has faced numerous challenges throughout his career. This development comes after Fultz’s last NBA appearance during the 2024-25 season with the Sacramento Kings, where he averaged just 2.9 points, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 rebounds over 21 games.
Fultz, who was the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, has played a total of 255 career regular season NBA games. Throughout his career, he has averaged 10.4 points and 4.8 assists per game. His most productive seasons were with the Orlando Magic, where he averaged 11.6 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.
During his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers, Fultz struggled with a shoulder condition that severely impacted his shooting ability. This issue contributed to a rocky start to his professional career, leading to his eventual trade to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Jonathon Simmons and draft picks.
Fultz spent five seasons with the Magic, where he showed flashes of his potential before experiencing a decline in performance during the 2023-24 season. Following his time with the Magic, he joined the Kings but was unable to regain his previous form.
The Raptors 905 currently holds a 16-11 record and sits fifth in the Eastern Conference, indicating a competitive environment where Fultz will have the opportunity to revitalize his career. However, he has yet to play an NBA or G League game this season, making his immediate impact uncertain.
As Fultz embarks on this new chapter with Raptors 905, the basketball community will be watching closely to see if he can overcome his past struggles and contribute meaningfully to the team. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his debut with the G League team.