NBA writer urges Celtics to consider former No. 1 pick amid retooling effort

The Boston Celtics have entered a retooling phase amid looming financial constraints and Jayson Tatum’s torn right Achilles. 

While the Eastern Conference appears wide open, the Celtics are not expected to be in title contention. Boston traded two of its key contributors from its 2024 championship roster — Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis — in June, and the team is also expected to let Al Horford walk in free agency. 

MORE: Celtics executive eyeing former Spurs center to help replace Kristaps Porzingis

Now entering a transitional period, Ben Stinar of SI.com believes the Celtics should give former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz a chance. 

“The Celtics have a long history of getting the most out of their players,” Stinar wrote. “Fultz could end up thriving with a stable organization such as the Celtics.”

Fultz was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017 but never lived up to expectations, struggling with efficiency while battling a shoulder injury. Over a year and a half with Philadelphia, he appeared in just 33 regular-season games. 

The 27-year-old was traded to the Orlando Magic in February 2019 but did not play again that season. Across more than five seasons with the Magic, he averaged 11.5 points, 4.9 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals across 25.1 minutes per game. 

Although he showed flashes of potential in Orlando, the club chose not to retain him. Fultz eventually signed with the Sacramento Kings in February 2025, logging inconsistent playing time in 21 regular-season appearances. 

Now, the Washington product could be a viable option for the Celtics, who are looking to add cost-effective players. 

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