The top pick returns! Fultz signs a 10-day contract with the Raptors, averaging only 9.4 points in the G League.

On March 24 Beijing time, according to reporter Shams, the 2017 NBA Draft top pick Markelle Fultz will sign a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors.

The Raptors currently have an open roster spot, so no corresponding roster move is required. On March 7, the Raptors' G League affiliate, Raptors 905, claimed Fultz off waivers.

Fultz, with 8 NBA seasons of experience, has been working on regaining his game form during this period. He has played 5 G League games, gradually increasing his minutes over the weekend. In those 5 games, he averaged 23.8 minutes, contributing 9.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, with a field goal percentage of 40% and a three-point percentage of 16.7%.

Fultz played consecutive games on Saturday and Sunday against the Maine Celtics, where Yang Hansen also plays. Over the two games, Fultz totaled 50 minutes of play, scoring 27 points on 11-of-22 shooting with 12 assists and only 4 turnovers.

Fultz is expected to immediately contribute and boost the Raptors' performance. He will be on the active roster and travel with the team for their game against the Jazz on Tuesday.

Grange also noted that the Raptors' backup point guard, Shead, has been struggling recently. In Monday's game against the Trail Blazers, Shead played 21 minutes, shot 1-for-6, and had a low plus/minus of -22. Over the past 12 games, he has made only 6 of 25 three-point attempts, with an overall field goal percentage of just 31%.

Additionally, the team's starting point guard, Quickley, is dealing with a foot injury and will miss Tuesday's game against the Jazz.

As a former top draft pick, Fultz's career has been plagued by injuries. Over his 8 seasons, he has played for the 76ers, Magic, and Kings, totaling only 255 regular-season games. In the 2024-25 season, he played 21 games for the Kings, averaging 8.8 minutes per game, with 2.9 points and 1.3 assists.