On this episode of the Old Man and the Three, JJ and Tommy sit down with rising NBA star Markelle Fultz. **Disclaimer**: this interview was conducted the day before he unfortunately suffered a season ending knee injury in Orlando on January 6th. Despite that horrible circumstance, it'll be easy to see that the road that lies ahead of him right now is nothing he can't conquer. An incredibly mentally strong player, Fultz talks about his injury and recovery, dealing with pressure and the expectations of being a number 1 pick, and how it felt being the target of a negative media attack. If there's one player we know can get through a difficult situation and bounce back on his feet, it's Markelle. We wish him nothing but the best and know he'll be back on the court soon enough. Now, to lighten things up a bit, the episode gets capped off by a spectacular TOP 5/Draft with close friend of the pod Sue Bird, and 1st time guest Mero (from Desus & Mero). This one is a fight to the finish. Don't miss it.

RUNDOWN

Markelle Fultz

• Has the daily Covid testing effected his preparation 
• On the precautions that are being made to avoid contact
• Discusses his new contract and finding the right fit
• On the difficulty of being injured his first year and re-joining the team late in the year
• Explains how his unique draft situation all broke down
• How hard was it for him to shut everything down after being the number one pick
• What was the emotional and mental toll that the year took on him​
• Were there any moments of doubt during the injury of whether he can still do it
• Dealing with that doubt and channeling it into something positive
• Was getting drafted #1 important to him
• On playing against top competition in high school
• On the unique movement of his body within his game
• Discusses how underrated his teammate Nikola Vucevic is
• Talks about coach Steve Clifford
• Does the Magic embrace the role of underdogs
• Does he appreciate his situation now

TOP 5/Draft with Sue Bird & Mero

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Markelle Fultz had a strong first year with the Orlando Magic. Coach Steve Clifford now says he is much improved and ready to take his game and the Orlando Magic to the next level. That is the kind of sign the Magic need to reach their next stage and get some notice.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get 20% off your next order.

BuiltGo

Visit BuiltGO.com and use promo code “LOCKED,” and you’ll get 20% off your next order.

Headspace

You deserve to feel happier, and Headspace is meditation made simple. Go to Headspace.com/lockedonnba for a FREE ONE-MONTH TRIAL with access to Headspace’s full library of meditations for every situation.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's podcast we get into:

The current progress of Demarcus Cousins, Markelle Fultz 's mysterious loss of a jumper, the evolution of that story, the pre-draft process with the Celtics and Sixers, a potential injury situation or mix up, what Williams thinks are the root causes of the issue for Fultz, some of his experiences with the Sixers' coach, and front office "infighting."

... and a whole lot more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Markelle Fultz was just starting to shoot jumpers at this time last year. This season he blew past his injury and has us focusing on his improvement and game after a successful "rookie" season. Plus, Terrence Ross proved he could be a sixth man with warping gravity.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 

Rock Auto

Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get $10 off your first order.

Helix

RIGHT NOW Helix is offering up to 200 dollars off ALL mattress orders and two free pillows. Get up to 200 dollars off at Helixsleep.com/lockedonnba

Theragun

Try Theragun RISK-FREE for THIRTY-DAYS. Go to Theragun.com/LOCKEDON right now and get your Gen 4 Theragun TODAY. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1. Should Isiah Thomas have been on the Dream Team? 2. There is a new QB in Dallas! 3. Hubs in Sports? 4. Is Stidham really the Patriots QB? 5. Is it fair to call Markelle Fultz a bust? 6. Which players legacy did Michael Jordan hurt the most? 

Vince and Annie recap the results of All-Star Weekend along with the controversial results of this year's dunk contest (1:54). Then, they are joined by Markelle Fultz of the Orlando Magic to discuss the pressures of living up to expectations being a first-round draft pick, constantly improving in spite of injuries, and his breakout moment in the league (18:42)

Hosts: Vince Carter, Annie Finberg

Guests: Markelle Fultz

Markelle Fultz crossed another check mark off his list, playing in his 82nd career game. In that time, he has crossed off a lot of milestones. And there is still a whole lot more to do.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices