Sixers | 5 reasons why Markelle Fultz is not a starter due to the addition of Jimmy Butler

Posted November 13, 2018 at 08:10 AM | Updated November 13, 2018 at 08:23 AM

Bulls 76ers Basketball

Chris Szagola

Anthony Gilbert | For NJ Advance Media

The Markelle Fultz experiment will soon come to an end. With the acquisition of All-Star guard Jimmy Butler, the Sixers have found a solid go-to option that can play at a high level on both ends of the court.

Fultz has struggled lately as his shot is beginning to develop the same hitch that kept him sidelined throughout the majority of last season. Head coach Brett Brown and the Sixers' top brass are looking to capitalize on the success of last season and make a legitimate run for an Eastern Conference title.

In both the short and long-term view, it is becoming very clear that the handholding of Fultz is coming to an end. He has to produce now, or get acquainted with a new role off the bench, and there are no guarantees that he will be a member of the organization for the duration of this contract.

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Drew Hallowell

1. Fultz needs the ball in his hands

Over the span of this season, Fultz has shown signs that he can be effective. Brown has provided him ample opportunity to prove his worth to the team, and against the Los Angeles Clippers, and most recently the Indiana Pacers, he looked good. He played well on defense, and he led fast breaks which helped to build a Sixers' lead. His poise was off the charts, and his decision-making was excellent.

The common denominator in those games has been that he played long stretches as the primary ball handler. Without the ball, Fultz has a tough time syncing with the offense and has far too often been a face in the crowd, rather than a No. 1 overall pick.

The hesitation in Fultz's jump shot crept back into the picture on the road against the Brooklyn Nets, and it prompted his former trainer Drew Hanlen to tweet about an injury that Fultz is still addressing.

On Monday in the win at Miami, the issue showed up again, this time with Fultz at the foul line holding the ball and hesitating before his release. He also shot from the foul line like that at home versus the Charlotte Hornets.

Something is going on and as the team prepares to make the necessary steps to become a legitimate contender, things like this keep Fultz further and further away from achieving success with the Sixers.

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