Markelle Fultz to miss rest of the season with torn left ACL

Throughout his early career, Markelle Fultz has struggled with injuries. Since he was acquired by Orlando Magic at the 2019 trade deadline, Fultz has been installed as Magic’s full-time starting point guard. The team announced that he will be missing the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee during Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Just minutes into the game, Fultz went down while driving through the paint. He could not put pressure on the leg as he left the court. Noting that he would further be evaluated, the team ruled him out for the remainder of the game shortly thereafter.

For the No. 1 pick in the 2017 draft, injuries have been a constant issue ever since the Philadelphia 76ers brought him into the league. The problem that ruined his first two seasons on the NBA was with his shoulder. Fultz was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, which probably played a role in his struggles as a jump shooter.

The 22-year-old played merely 14 games as a rookie and averaged 7.1 points, 3.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds while being able to attempt only one three-pointer. According to David Aldridge of The Athletic, after 19 games into his second season, Fultz’s agent, Raymond Brothers, told the 76ers that his client would not play or practice until seeing a specialist.

To his credit, the point guard bounced back last season and averaged 12.1 points, 5.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals while aiding Orlando into the playoffs. This season, he had been even better through seven games with 14.3 points, 6.1 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game.

With Fultz sidelined, Cole Anthony can be expected to serve as the primary point guard, while Terrence Ross and Dwayne Bacon will most probably provide ball-handling assistance.