The Husky Haul
Fansided

Washington Huskies Markelle Fultz Prepares For 2017 NBA Draft Like Underdog

By Bret Stuter

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Ready Or Not, Here He Comes

When you examine the NBA teams currently most likely to choose first in the 2017 NBA Draft, you find the Boston Celtics (courtesy of a draft swap with the Brooklyn Nets), the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Philadelphia 76ers. and the Orlando Magic. With the exception of the Philadelphia 76ers, all NBA teams appear relatively set in the back court. And yet, the perception is that all five teams had some inclination to tank this year simply to improve their odds of selecting Markelle Fultz.

In summary, that’s how high his ceiling is believed to be.

More from The Husky Haul

In an excellent expose written by Sport Illustrated’s Andrew Sharp, he touches base on the fact that even Markelle Fultz is aware of NBA tanking

"I had to ask whether he’s paid attention to all the league’s tanking efforts, and his mom interjected. “Is that really happening? Are they really losing on purpose?” “They do,” Markelle confirms. “So they can increase their percentages.” “It’s weird, it’s weird,” she says of this lottery situation. “But that’s the nature of that profession. You adapt to whatever your profession is.” – per Sport Illustrated’s Andrew Sharp"

The strategy of the NBA Lottery is a thesis on probability.

Upgrades Virtually Any Team

And so, even teams with great backcourt play are striving to be the team fortunate enough to select Markelle Fultz in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Next: Washington Huskies Alumni Isaiah Thomas Handling Tragedy In Public Eye

After all, the Washington Huskies guard is about to enter the big time. How that all turns out will resolve in a matter of weeks. But Markelle Fultz is leaving nothing to chance. He may be the favorite, but he’s training like an underdog.

Home/Huskies in the NBA