NBA Rumors: Former Top Pick Reaches Out To Kobe Bryant

Markelle Fultz has slowly fallen off the list of promising young NBA stars but the 21-year-old is not about to give up. Selected first during the 2017 NBA Draft, the former Washington Huskies guard has appeared in only 33 games the past two seasons.

One thing that he needs to work on is his jump shot. Fultz drew a lot of flak for his shooting form when he was still with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, the Orlando Magic seem to be hyping up the guard's progress, releasing a video on the progress of the former top pick.

It would be best to note that a shoulder injury has been hounding Fultz. The 21-year-old is dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome, a neurogenic type of the disorder which affects nerves between the neck and shoulder resulting in abnormal functional movement and range of motion. This is seen as one reason why Fultz is having problems shooting the basketball, the Washington Post reported.

Fultz spent the summer working out at Kobe Bryant's MAMBA Sports Academy summer. According to TMZ Sports, he worked daily with the academy's trainers and even had the chance to sit down with the retired Lakers star.

The young Magic guard is hoping that Bryant can help him straighten out his basketball journey. Bryant reportedly schooled Fultz and preached to him the Mamba Mentality (which is to constantly be the best version of yourself).

It will be interesting if Fultz does show remarkable improvement moving forward. After a not-so-memorable stay in Philly, the Magic are hoping to draw something out of the 6-foot-4 guard. Considering he was selected ahead of players like Jayson Tatum, De'Aaron Fox, and Donovan Mitchell, Fultz hopes to finally show his true worth.

“I was the No. 1 pick for a reason,” Fultz said to the Associated Press. “I knew that I work hard and what I can do on the basketball court. That’s all that matters.”

Even though Fultz is only 21, it remains that time is essential. The Magic vow to be patient on the former top pick, aware that he is trying to recover from an injury.

“We’re not going to put expectations or timelines on his development. He hasn’t played basketball in a year. He’s played 33 games total in his career. So it’s going to unfold the way it unfolds,” said Magic president Jeff Weltman.