5 reasons why Sixers’ Jimmy Butler bumps Markelle Fultz to the bench

The Markelle Fultz experiment will soon come to an end. With the acquisition of All-Star guard Jimmy Butler, the Sixers have found a solid go-to option that can play at a high level on both ends of the court.

Fultz has struggled lately as his shot is beginning to develop the same hitch that kept him sidelined throughout the majority of last season. Head coach Brett Brown and the Sixers’ top brass are looking to capitalize on the success of last season and make a legitimate run for an Eastern Conference title.

In both the short and long-term view, it is becoming very clear that the handholding of Fultz is coming to an end. He has to produce now, or get acquainted with a new role off the bench, and there are no guarantees that he will be a member of the organization for the duration of this contract.

Over the span of this season, Fultz has shown signs that he can be effective. Brown has provided him ample opportunity to prove his worth to the team, and against the Los Angeles Clippers, and most recently the Indiana Pacers, he looked good. He played well on defense, and he led fast breaks which helped to build a Sixers’ lead. His poise was off the charts, and his decision-making was excellent.

The common denominator in those games has been that he played long stretches as the primary ball handler. Without the ball, Fultz has a tough time syncing with the offense and has far too often been a face in the crowd, rather than a No. 1 overall pick.