Evan Fournier, Jimmy Butler
John Raoux | AP
Anthony Gilbert | For NJ Advance Media
Sixers GM Elton Brand was persistent and aggressive in getting the four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler into a Sixers uniform. Brand felt that Butler’s style of play would mesh well the rest of the team. Despite losing game one of the new-look Sixers, 111-106 to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, it is evident that the move for Butler was the right one.
Here are three reasons why the trade will work and have long-term positive results for Philadelphia.
Markelle Fultz, Jerian Grant
John Raoux
2. The pressure is off Markelle Fultz
Once the Sixers landed Butler, there was no question that Fultz would be relegated to the second unit. This is not a demotion. Iit is what’s best for the team and in Fultz’s case, this is the right move for him as well.
Fultz has been under fire recently and the negative attention has increased with his erratic shooting form. Now that he is coming off the bench, he will play at the point which is his natural and most effective place on the court.
The best part about him as a substitute and not a starter is that the team will not need him to be the missing link to propel them forward. That responsibility now belongs to Butler, who is indeed up for the challenge.
