76ers' Markelle Fultz could miss remainder of season

Michael Singer | USA TODAY

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Philadelphia 76ers rookie and No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz may not play again this season, Sixers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo said Friday morning.

“There’s always a chance that he’s going to be out there soon, and there’s a chance that he’s not going to play this year," Colangelo said. "I can’t answer that question because we don’t know the answer to that.”

It’s the latest sobering update the team provided after saying on Jan. 2 that Fultz had been cleared to “begin the final stage of his return to play program.”

Other quick notes on Fultz:

- They still don't know if changing the shot caused the injury or if the injury caused the changed shot.

- No timeline. Could come back in days or could be out the season.

- Has to completely rebuild the muscle memory in his shooting mechanics — Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) February 9, 2018

According to Colangelo, there’s currently no timetable for Fultz’s return from his shoulder injury.

“We hope to see (Fultz) this year,” he said. “If not, we will wait until he’s ready to participate and help, and put him in a position to succeed. That’s going to be a determination that’s made at some point in the future.”

The team initially diagnosed the issue as scapular muscle imbalance in his right shoulder. Videos of his shooting motion have circulated and been widely dissected as he works his way back. Colangelo said that Fultz's current shooting range is "within the paint."

“It was a breakdown in muscle function and coordination,” Colangelo said. “There have been some limitations for some time, and he’s getting through it. Again, there’s a long recovery. It’s taken probably longer than anyone had hoped or imagined.”

Fultz played in the first four games of the season before being sidelined.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Michael Singer on Twitter @msinger