NBA: After more than a year without participating in an NBA game. Magic guard Markelle Fultz has indicated that he would return in the 2021–22 season.

When the Magic take on the Pacers on Monday, Fultz will make his formal come back to the starting lineup. The team’s Orlando Magic Pod Squad said the former No. 1 overall choice in 2017 was “fortunate to be able to return to the floor after surviving the injuries he went through.”

“I’m really grateful to be hereafter going through this injury. And being able to battle and just be back on the floor with my brothers and friends.” Fultz said. “I’m grateful for the experience and the trip I’ve had”. I’m really looking forward to getting out there with my guys and competing.”

On Jan. 6, 2021, Fultz tore his ACL in his left knee in a non-contact injury during Orlando’s game against Cleveland. After averaging 12.1 points and 5.1 assists in 2020, he signed a three-year, $50 million agreement with the Magic on Dec. 21, 2020.

Fultz averaged 14.3 points and 6.1 assists per game prior to his injury in 2021. Fultz’s first two NBA seasons were cut short due to a shoulder condition called thoracic outlet syndrome, which limited his shooting ability.

NBA: Markelle Fultz wants to get well after tearing his ACL

Orlando (14–47) is presently in last place in the Eastern Conference.

Fultz grew into an accomplished player with the Magic after a dreadful start to his career. Fultz averaged 12.1 points and 5.4 assists in his debut season with the organization. That year, his field-goal percentage hit a career-high of.465 percent.

Fultz was expected to improve on those percentages in the 2020-21 season, but he tore his ACL after only eight games. He’s been out for nearly a year while he recovers from his injuries.

Fultz drew a lot of criticism in Philadelphia before joining the Magic. Shortly after being selected, Fultz had a shoulder injury. Fultz’s ability to shoot was harmed by the injury, which resulted in poor shooting mechanics. Fultz was out for a while, but he finally rejoined the 76ers.

Prior to the 2019-20 NBA season, the 76ers opted to cut bait on Fultz. He retaliated by having the best season of his career.

Fultz, who is still just 23, has an opportunity to further up his game when he returns to play on Monday. Fultz may not live up to his draught status, but he has already defied the odds by overcoming a serious injury so early in his career.