In a shocking turn of events, the New Orleans Pelicans have sent fan favourite Markelle Fultz to Canada to play for the Toronto Raptors, following a draft day trade that nobody expected. There had been no prior indications that Fultz was unhappy in New Orleans, nor was there any indication that New Orleans were looking to move on from the 6'4 point guard's services. Markelle Fultz had been a fan favourite in New Orleans since his arrival from the Big Apple, growing into the steady starting-caliber guard that he is now, since those days in the Big Apple. Putting up a career-high in points per game(since the transition), much of the New Orleans faithful expected Fultz to continue to don the navy red and gold following the 2029 CSL Offseason.
In his 3 seasons in New Orleans, Markelle Fultz averaged the following numbers:
228 Games Played | 203 Games Started | 31.7 Minutes per Game
15.2 PPG | 3 RPG | 4.8 APG | 1.3 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 1.9 TO
41.5% FG | 37.1% 3FG | 77.8% FT
In his final season in New Orleans, Markelle Fultz showcased his scoring ability, averaging a career high 16.2 points per game and a career high in free throw attempts and makes. Markelle Fultz had this to say about his surprise exit from the Big Easy:
Markelle Fultz wrote:I have nothing but love for the city of New Orleans. I am the player I grew to be because of my time in New Orleans, so anything less would be plain disrespectful to the city and to the organization. Don't get me wrong, I am a bit bitter having to leave the organization at such an unexpected fashion; I thought I'd be the franchise's starting point guard for many future seasons. That being said, the CSL is a business first and foremost, and for that I cannot blame the organization for taking the route they chose. It's just up to me to prove that they chose the wrong decision in trading me away. Thank you to the New Orleans faithful for always believing in me. Next stop, Toronto!
