Why the Sixers should trade Markelle Fultz

Former top-pick Markelle Fultz has, in many NBA pundit’s eyes, lost his place in the so-called Sixers “process.” This is the dominant narrative now for the team that just recently acquired Jimmy Butler, setting up the rise of a new big three that includes stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Fultz, especially with all the weird issues he has with his shooting, injury, and approach to the game, is now seen as expendable.

Image source: sixerswire.usatoday.com

 There is nothing close to personal in this imminent decision for the Sixers. After all, Fultz has not been playing consistently since he was finally declared “healthy” to start the season. Now, the verdict is out that he is in fact suffering from what his agent named as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or TOS, a condition that effectively impedes his normal movements and motions, making him awkwardly shoot the basketball.

Image source: fastbreakdaily.com

If the Sixers manage to do away with Fultz’ contract, they stand a chance of having enough room for a maximum cap space come next season, making the team primed for acquiring a fourth superstar. Needless to say, this is going to be huge for the entire NBA. Just imagine if the Sixers’ maxed-out salary entices the likes of top forward Anthony Davis or a shooting guard like Klay Thompson?

In any case, every NBA enthusiast appears to be in favor of trading Fultz, whose game can’t seem to blend in with those of his fellow Sixers stars. It’s, of course, very unfortunate for the young 2017 top rookie, but his condition is something rehab should be able to address. From a business standpoint, and if Philly is committed to winning this year, it should go for a reliable veteran in exchange for Fultz, one who can be another outside shooting threat (aside from Redick) and create even better spacing for the team.

Hello, I’m Janet Pribanic, a Public Relations student at NYU into music, fashion, travel, literature, and sports. More NBA-related reads here.

Can the Knicks reach the postseason without Porzingis?

Image source: dailyknicks.com

The New York Knicks are still trying to find a good, working combination in the first few weeks of the season, with new coach David Fizdale continuing to juggle the starting lineup. In a recent game against the Pelicans, Fizdale even started three of the team’s rookies in Kevin Knox, Allonzo Trier, and Mitchell Robinson.


The experiment of going small and young seemed to work until the fourth quarter when the team blew a huge lead and once again succumbed. The Knicks currently hold a 4-12 record which places them just three spots away from the bottom of the standings in the East. It doesn’t help their cause that there has been a resurgence of teams in the conference, with the Celtics, Bucks, Sixers, and Raptors becoming legit title contenders.


The team still doesn’t have a definite timeframe for the return of its injured superstar Kristaps Porzingis, who is recovering from an ACL tear. Though he seems to be recuperating nicely and starting to practice, the team is likely to lose a lot more games until his return. And perhaps by then, it will be too late for the team to even aspire for a playoff spot.

Image source: northjersey.com

The bit of good news (and a sliver of hope) for the franchise is that Porzingis’ absence is helping develop the play of Knox and Emmanuel Mudiay, while Hardaway Jr. and Frank Ntilikina continue to plug away. But there’s a big hole in the team’s middle that Enes Kanter simply can’t fill. Unless a huge turnaround happens sometime soon, even a Porzingis return early next year won’t save this team.


Hello, Janet Pribanichere and I’m currently studying public relations at the NYU. I like writing about New York sports. More info on my hobbies and interests here.