Orlando, FL - Monday night marked the first time Markelle Fultz scored 20 or more points in a game since December 2020. If you were to nominate awards this season specific to Orlando Magic players, many people would likely have similar lists. Paolo Banchero as Rookie of the Year, Franz Wagner or Paolo as Most Valuable Player, Bol Bol as Most Improved Player, etc. However, it’s time we acknowledge the most important player in Orlando’s offense: Markelle Fultz.

Fultz has had a very rough go injury-wise throughout his young career, not even accounting for the turmoil that occurred in Philadelphia. When traded to Orlando, Fultz was in mid-recovery for a shoulder injury. He then proceeded to show flashes of greatness while playing 72 games in the 2019-2020 season. 

A few injuries later, we are now witnessing what Fultz is truly capable of when paired with the two young stars in the front-court: Banchero and Wagner. In just 4 games played so far, Fultz has posted some stellar stat-lines, including Monday night's 20-point performance against the Milwaukee Bucks. 

“More aggression… obviously the facilitating is still there for him as well. (He has) been able to look for his shot and find the mismatch when it’s there, and then when team’s collapse on him he’s been able to find the right decision.” Coach Jamahl Mosley on what he’s seen so far from Markelle Fultz.

Throughout Monday’s loss to Milwaukee, the Magic looked to get the ball in Markelle’s hand time and time again, and he did not disappoint. A key contributor to the Magic staying somewhat in the game (cutting a 19-point lead to 4 late in the game) was Markelle’s shotmaking ability. Guards such as George Hill and Jevon Carter had trouble staying in front of Fultz, allowing for countless drives to the rim and uncontested pull-up elbow jumpers. 

Fun Facts: Fultz led the team in field goal attempts on Monday night and it was the 10th game in Fultz’ career with multiple made three point shots.

There’s too many good things to say about Markelle Fultz, especially considering his locker room presence, leadership on and off-court, and ever-so-entertaining style of play. He’s proved time and time again that the mid-range jump shot is not dead, schooling smaller guards in the post and getting to his spot around the restricted area for a beautiful fadeaway jumper. It’s going to be exciting to see just how special Fultz can become here in Orlando, now that he’s alongside two franchise cornerstones and seeing more opportunity than ever before.