Philadelphia 76ers forward Jimmy Butler vocalized his support for teammate Markelle Fultz, whose time in Philly may be limited, according to reports. Butler said the Sixers “need” Fultz, and that Butler, along with everybody else, love being around the second-year guard.
Jimmy Butler’s thoughts on Markelle Fultz #Sixers pic.twitter.com/velygrdsTh
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) November 27, 2018
I just want Markelle to know that he got everybody in his corner here. We want him to be great. We want him to continue to work. All of the outside noise is just what it is; it’s noise from the outside. I love having him around, I think everybody here loves having him around. So, you know, whenever he’s ready to get back in here and work, we’re all for it. We need the guy.
Fultz’s particular situation is an entirely unique one. His ability to shoot the ball has almost completely evaporated, likely due to some combination of injury and the yips.
Between his rookie and sophomore years, Fultz has played 34 total games, averaging 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game on .414/.267/.534 shooting.
Philadelphia acquired Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 10. Butler has since played seven games as a Sixer, averaging 20.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.1 steals per game on .515/.550/.861 shooting.
