SAN ANTONIO – Long before he ever directed an Orlando Magic practice involving the dynamic talents of Markelle Fultz, veteran head coach Steve Clifford did his research and homework on the point guard.
Clifford talked extensively to Fultz’s former head coach with the Philadelphia 76ers and his close friend, Brett Brown. He also studied game film of when Fultz starred for the University of Washington and he talked to the guard about the offensive sets that he prefers to be in.
But coaching Fultz – something that Clifford has done for the first time throughout a week of training camp practices – has taught him something about the 21-year-old guard that no amount of prep work ever could have.