The New York Knicks are considering signing former No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz to strengthen their struggling bench. Despite a career marred by injuries, Fultz, 27, presents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. His past performance with Orlando indicates he could offer valuable playmaking, defense, and veteran leadership, possibly becoming an underrated offseason addition.
The Knicks are revamping their roster to improve their bench unit, with NBA analysts suggesting that adding Fultz could be a strategic move. Under the new head coach Mike Brown, the team aims to address the weakness in their second-unit production from the previous season, despite making it to the playoffs. Their bench unit ranked poorly in bench points and minutes, prompting the need for additional assets like Fultz to fortify their reserve rotation.
Markelle Fultz, the former No. 1 pick from the 2017 NBA Draft, has faced challenges due to injuries and inconsistent opportunities. At 27, Fultz played limited games for the Sacramento Kings last season but showed promise during his tenure with the Orlando Magic between 2019 and 2024.
Career Highlights in 2022–23:
- Points per Game: 14.0
- Assists per Game: 5.7
- Rebounds per Game: 3.9
- Steals per Game: 1.5
- Field Goal %: 51.4%
- Games Played: 60
In addition to his offensive prowess, Fultz’s defensive contributions have been notable, especially his two-way presence, a key area where the Knicks lack depth behind players like Jalen Brunson.
Bringing in Markelle Fultz would be a cost-effective move for the Knicks, offering versatility, resilience, and the potential for a significant impact. Fultz’s ability to handle the ball, playmaking skills, defensive stability, and veteran experience make him a valuable asset, particularly in supporting the starting backcourt.
Experts suggest that giving Fultz a chance to contribute in crucial moments could lead to a successful partnership, potentially making him one of the standout signings of the upcoming season.
Considering the Knicks’ aspirations to build a championship-caliber team, adding Fultz to the roster could be a strategic decision, given his talent, recent form, and age. His inclusion could address the team’s deficiencies in bench production, offering a promising outlook for the upcoming season.
