Markelle Fultz Returns to NBA with Raptors After G-League Stint & Impressive Debut
SALT LAKE CITY – Markelle Fultz’s latest NBA comeback began Monday night with a comfortable 143-127 Toronto Raptors victory over the Utah Jazz, a game notable not just for the score but for the veteran guard’s return to the court after a lengthy absence. The win improved Toronto’s record to , 40-31, keeping them a half-game ahead of Atlanta in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Fultz, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, signed a 10-day contract with the Raptors on , after a stint with the Sacramento Kings in the 2024-25 season. His journey back to the NBA has been anything but conventional, marked by persistent injuries and a determined effort to regain his form. He spent time this season with the Raptors 905 G League team, averaging 9.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in six games.
The path back to the NBA wasn’t simply about physical rehabilitation, Fultz explained. “It’s never been an issue of like, I can’t play this game,” he said before the game. “It’s just, do what you need to do to obtain healthy so you can go play the game to the best of your ability … I’m just thankful that I have another opportunity to go do that.” He emphasized the importance of taking the time to address all aspects of his physical conditioning, stating, “The body is a complicated thing…I’ve been blessed to learn a lot about my body and understand that it’s not just normally one thing.”
Monday’s game followed a unique sequence of events for Fultz. After playing 13 minutes in a G-League game with Raptors 905, he met with Raptors director of sports science and performance Alex McKechnie for a post-game debrief. He then participated in a brief workout in the hallways of the Delta Center before being officially slated to start for Toronto against the Jazz. The veteran received a congratulatory hug from 905 head coach Andrew Jones before heading to the team hotel.
In 16 minutes of play, Fultz recorded five assists and two steals, shooting one-of-five from the floor. While the box score doesn’t fully capture his impact, coach Darko Rajakovic highlighted his playmaking abilities. “He’s (a) point guard. You can see that he’s comfortable getting the team into the offence and organizing, and he had five assists,” Rajakovic said. Fultz demonstrated a knack for finding open teammates, connecting with Collin Murray-Boyles for early baskets and setting up Sandro Mamukelashvili for a three-pointer.
The Raptors’ offense was potent, scoring a team-record-tying 49 points in the third quarter and finishing with a franchise-record 49 assists. RJ Barrett led the team with 27 points, while Jamal Shead dished out a career-high 15 assists. Ace Bailey led the Jazz with a career-high 37 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Toronto’s balanced attack.
Fultz’s arrival comes at a potentially crucial time for the Raptors, particularly with Immanuel Quickley sidelined due to plantar fasciitis. The team is navigating a tight Eastern Conference playoff picture, battling with the Hawks, 76ers, Magic, Heat, and Hornets for positioning. The Raptors are 2-2 on a five-game road trip, with their next game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.
The story of Markelle Fultz is one of resilience and perseverance. From being a highly touted prospect to battling debilitating injuries, his career has been defined by challenges. As Raptors 905 head coach Andrew Jones observed, Fultz approached his opportunity with “a level of professionalism and humility.” Jones added, “You know, a former No. 1 pick, he could come in here and have a crazy chip on his shoulder, act like he owns the place. But he walked right in and said, ‘Coach, what do you need me to do?’”
Alijah Martin, who played alongside Fultz with Raptors 905, echoed that sentiment, describing him as “a dog” who has “thrived through adversity.” Martin added, “He’s a real stand-up guy and I’m just happy for him and whatever comes next.”
Beyond Fultz’s return, the Raptors are also seeing strong performances from other players. Ja’Kobe Walter continues to impress with his shooting, converting 33 of his last 68 three-point attempts (48.5 percent) since the All-Star break. His improved three-point shooting is a significant boost for the team.
The Raptors are managing several minor injuries, with Brandon Ingram (right heel) and Jakob Poeltl held out of Monday’s game as precautionary measures. Quickley’s plantar fasciitis remains a concern, and his status for Wednesday’s game against the Clippers is uncertain.
The future of Raptors two-way players A.J. Lawson and Martin remains uncertain, as the team’s improved performance has limited their opportunities for playing time. Both players have had strong seasons with Raptors 905, but a standard NBA contract may be difficult to come by unless the Raptors develop further roster changes.