76ers point guard Markelle Fultz, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, will not be in Philadelphia’s starting lineup when the team opens its season Wednesday night at the Wizards, coach Brett Brown said Sunday.
Since a knee issue has kept Fultz out of most of the preseason — he’s seen action in just two games — the 76ers plan to bring him off the bench and ease him into the rotation, rather than letting him run the offense from the get-go.
The Sixers have not said who will start at point guard, but Jerryd Bayless figures to get the nod, per a RotoWire report (via CBS Sports).
When a team selects a player with the first overall pick, usually the plan is to start him. While it’s reasonable for the Sixers to be taking their time with their potential future star, Philly fans will want to see him starting soon.
With Fultz coming off the bench, here’s what Philly’s starting five may look like Wednesday in Washington: PG) Bayless, SG) JJ Redick, SF) Robert Covington, PF) Ben Simmons, C) Joel Embiid.
