After a controversial, five-month hiatus, Markelle Fultz's surprise return to the surging Philadelphia 76ers has played a sizeable role in their late-season run as the hottest team in the NBA. In his past 11 games, Fultz is averaging an impressive 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 9.4 assists and 2.1 turnovers per 36 minutes while becoming the youngest player in NBA history to notch a triple-double in the Sixers regular-season finale. He has also helped spark a seemingly unstoppable bench unit.
Slotted behind likely rookie of the year Ben Simmons with shooting and veterans at virtually every position, Fultz has been able to play free of wild expectations.