Markelle Fultz Returns: First Game with Raptors After Long Road Back to the NBA

TORONTO – After a journey marked by setbacks and perseverance, Markelle Fultz has returned to the NBA, signing a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors. Fultz made his debut with the team Monday night against the Utah Jazz, marking his first NBA game since April 13, 2025, with the Sacramento Kings. The return represents a significant moment in a career that has been anything but conventional.

“My path has been crazy since I’ve been in the NBA. My life has been a series of trials and errors,” Fultz said before the game, reflecting on the challenges he’s faced. The former No. 1 overall pick has navigated a complex path, battling injuries and seeking opportunities to prove his potential.

In 16 minutes of action against the Jazz, Fultz recorded 2 points on 1-of-5 shooting, along with 5 assists and 2 interceptions. Although the box score numbers may not immediately jump out, his return to the court is a victory in itself. The Raptors defeated the Jazz in the contest.

“He’s a point guard. You can see he’s comfortable setting up the offense, organizing, and he had five assists,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said, as reported by Sportsnet. “It was great to see him out there like that.”

More than the statistics, Fultz’s presence on the court is a testament to his determination and resilience. His return offers a compelling narrative of second chances in a league often defined by rapid turnover.

A Measured Return

Fultz’s journey back to the NBA wasn’t a straightforward one. He spent time in the G League with the Raptors 905, honing his skills and regaining his rhythm. He emphasized the importance of taking a deliberate approach to his comeback, focusing on addressing the physical issues that have plagued his career.

“The body is an extremely complex thing and a lot goes on in it. I’ve been fortunate to learn a lot about my body and understand that it’s generally not just one thing. I was able to take the time to get everything sorted out without having to worry about playing games and just playing through it,” Fultz explained. “I gave myself a chance to get right by taking that time to do it. I worked on everything: shoulders, knees, hips, everything I’ve learned over the years about what it takes to play an NBA game and be competitive.”

Despite the challenges, Fultz is still just 28 years aged as of late March 2026. Though, the cumulative effect of injuries has resulted in significant missed game time, hindering his development and impacting his career trajectory. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly potential can be derailed by unforeseen circumstances. He was originally selected first overall in the 2017 NBA draft, ahead of players like Jayson Tatum, De’Aaron Fox, Donovan Mitchell, Bam Adebayo, Lauri Markkanen, Derrick White, and Josh Hart.

Andrew Jones, the coach of the Raptors 905, praised Fultz’s professionalism and humility. “What impresses me the most is his level of professionalism, his humility,” Jones said. “He’s a former No. 1 pick, so he could have come in here acting like he was the boss. But he asked me what I expected from him. I wanted him to be a leader, to defend, and to make plays. He was remarkable.”

Fultz’s willingness to embrace a leadership role and contribute to the team’s success, even at the G League level, speaks volumes about his character and commitment to the game. It’s a quality that Raptors fans will undoubtedly appreciate as he attempts to establish himself in Toronto.

The Raptors are providing Fultz with an opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn a longer-term contract. For Fultz, it’s a chance to rewrite his narrative and prove that he can still be a valuable asset in the NBA.

This situation mirrors that of Kennedy Chandler, a guard with the Utah Jazz, who is as well seeking a second chance in the league. Both players faced each other on Monday night, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest. The game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City highlighted the league’s willingness to provide opportunities for players looking to revive their careers.

The Raptors’ decision to sign Fultz reflects a broader trend in the NBA, where teams are increasingly willing to take chances on players with intriguing potential, even if they have faced adversity. The late-season signing of 10-day contracts provides a platform for these players to demonstrate their value and potentially earn a spot on a roster.

As Fultz continues his journey with the Raptors, he will undoubtedly face challenges and obstacles. However, his determination, work ethic, and unwavering belief in his abilities will be crucial to his success. The NBA world will be watching to see if he can finally fulfill the promise that made him the No. 1 overall pick nearly a decade ago.

The Raptors next face the Boston Celtics on March 27th at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts (7:30 PM EST / 01:30 UTC March 28th). It remains to be seen how much playing time Fultz will receive in that game, but every opportunity will be valuable as he strives to make a lasting impression.

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