Raptors Bring In Former No. 1 Overall Pick Markelle Fultz

Markelle Fultz was the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. It hasn't quite worked out for him to this point, and he has been out of the league altogether this season.

But the Raptors organization has decided to give Fultz his shot at a comeback, claiming him on waivers and bringing him in with the G League's Raptors 905.

Intriguingly, the Toronto Raptors do have one roster spot open, and could look to fill that in the coming weeks. They don't currently have Fultz's NBA rights, but they will be able to keep a close eye on how he looks just down the road with the 905 and perhaps beat other teams to the punch if he's worth a flyer.

Markelle Fultz is still only 27; Will play for Raptors 905

Fultz is still only 27, but his last NBA action, in 2024-25 with the Sacramento Kings, saw him average 2.9 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists through 21 games.

His career averages look better, though still not befitting of a No. 1 overall pick: 10.4 points per game, 3.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.1 steals through eight seasons split between the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings.

His career has been derailed by injuries, including a knee injury last year, and a nerve condition in his shoulder that affected his shooting ability.

When he was selected with that first overall pick by Philly in 2017, the two names that went after him were superstars Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell. That's a hard L for the Sixers.