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Markelle Fultz’s Immediate Reaction in First NBA Game After 341 Days
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- Markelle Fultz’s Immediate Reaction in First NBA Game After 341 Days
For many NBA players, simply stepping back onto the court can mean everything. After months away from the spotlight, Markelle Fultz shared just how meaningful it felt to return to the game he loves.
After agreeing to a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors , the former No. 1 overall pick is back in the NBA. Fultz was thrilled to return to the floor in his first game with the team. During the Raptors' win against the Utah Jazz , the 27-year-old spoke with Sportsnet reporter Danielle Michaud after the first half.
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She asked Fultz how he felt about his first stint with the Raptors. "Amazing. It just feels good to be back out here playing basketball, doing what I love," he replied. The guard also added that he felt good about pushing the team's pace. Fultz finished with two points and five assists in 16 minutes of action, shooting 1-5 from the field.
For a player whose career has been defined as much by adversity as talent, those words carried extra weight. Fultz entered the league with enormous expectations after being selected first overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers . However, his early years were derailed by injuries and an unusual shoulder condition that drastically affected his shooting mechanics.
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He was later traded to the Orlando Magic , but the injuries continued to disrupt his career. Now in Toronto, even a short-term contract represents another opportunity. The former No. 1 overall pick has yet to return to his best form.
Prior to the game against the Jazz, it had been 341 days since Fultz last appeared in an NBA game. His previous appearance came when he was part of the Sacramento Kings ' roster during their loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024–25 season's Play-In Tournament.
While the opportunity may be temporary, Fultz now has another chance to prove he belongs in the NBA. And judging by his reaction, he appears ready to do everything possible to earn a longer stay with the Raptors.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
