Culture & Sports
11:58, 23-Jun-2017
NBA Draft: Philadelphia take Fultz first overall
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By CGTN's Jiang Mengxi & Wang Meng
The biggest night in the NBA's off-season, the 2017 NBA Draft has been held in New York. After trading with the Boston Celtics for the number one overall pick, the Philadelphia 76ers put it to use by selecting Markelle Fultz.
Known for his all-around offensive ability and athleticism, Fultz starred in his lone year at the University of Washington, averaging 23 points per game, along with more than five rebounds and five assists. This was the second year in a row that Philly had the first overall pick and their selection of 6-foot-5 point guard Fultz follows their choice of forward Ben Simmons last year.
Markelle Fultz shakes hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at the 2017 NBA Draft / DFIC Picture
Markelle Fultz shakes hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at the 2017 NBA Draft / DFIC Picture
“Right now, I'm very excited for myself and my family. I get a chance to take care of my family and I get to do something a lot of kids want to do,” said Fultz, also expressing his pride at being more in demand than other players in the draft.
The Los Angeles Lakers used the second pick to take UCLA playmaking guard Lonzo Ball while Boston used the third to add small forward Jayson Tatum of Duke.