The Orlando Magic just haven’t been able to catch a break this NBA offseason regarding injuries to some of their more experienced players. Gary Harris tore his meniscus during an offseason workout and will be sidelined for a chunk of the season. Now, he will be joined on the sidelines by point guard Markelle Fultz.
Fultz fractures his left big toe during a preseason workout and will be sidelined indefinitely. No timetable was given but Fultz is now in a walking boot. The only positive is that he will not require surgery.
According to the team, his “return to play will depend on how he responds to rehabilitation and treatment.” It has been reported that Fultz will miss the entirety of training camp, which will put him behind the eight ball when it comes to preparing for the regular season.
Fultz has struggled with injuries throughout his career since being the No. 1 overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017. He suffered a torn ACL in January of 2021, which caused him to miss a large portion of the last two seasons, as he went about 14 months between playing in games.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Markelle Fultz & Orlando Magic Updates
He appeared in only 33 games in two seasons with the 76ers as he dealt with a shoulder injury that was eventually diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome. It led to some very difficult times in Philadelphia, as his shooting form was a mess. Orlando provided him a chance to restart and he took full advantage, missing only one game during the COVID-19-impacted season.
That led to Fultz and the Magic agreeing to a three-year, $50 million rookie extension, which he is now in the second season of. His start to the season will be delayed as he deals with the fractured toe.
With Fultz sidelined, the team will be relying on Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs to run the offense. Anthony was the team’s first-round pick in 2020, while Suggs was selected in the first round of 2021.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Markelle Fultz & Orlando Magic Updates
This is a golden opportunity for Suggs to get more chances to lead the offense as he struggled throughout his rookie campaign. Anthony was the team’s leading scorer last season, so his role isn’t likely to change too much with Fultz sidelined.
