Markelle Fultz hasn't played in an NBA game since Oct. 23.
For those of you keeping track at home, that's 106 days since the No. 1 overall pick suited up for the Sixers.
If you think you've been discouraged by Fultz's season to this point, just imagine how he feels.
"It's very frustrating," Fultz said to former NBA player Caron Butler during TNT's broadcast of the Sixers' 115-102 win over the Wizards on Tuesday. "I want to be out there real bad, competing with my team. It's been tough really, but at the end of the day I know it's going to make me better."
Things can't get much worse for Fultz.
The 19-year-old guard struggled through the first week of the season as he battled a right shoulder injury. The Sixers eventually shut him down indefinitely as they sought answers for his ailment.
Fultz visited specialists and underwent various treatment methods to help get him back. He was cleared to begin a reintegration to training and practice with the Sixers on Jan. 2, but has still not been given the green light for game action.
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"It's been a long journey just trying to relearn it," Fultz said of his shot mechanics. "I'm just going through it. I want to go back out there as quick as I can, but it's been a slow process."
The Sixers know all about trusting the process, and Fultz is glad that fans have stuck with him throughout his own path back to the court.
"I just want to let them know thank you for all the support, all the love," he said. "Can't wait to get back out there and support them and play my hardest for them."
