Markelle Fultz. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Former No. 1 overall pick is returning to the NBA

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 3:35 PM ET

A former No. 1 overall pick is getting the chance to return to the NBA, at least for a brief stint.

The Toronto Raptors are signing guard Markelle Fultz from their G League team. Fultz is getting a 10-day contract with Toronto.

Former No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz is signing a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, Raymond Brothers of I Am Sports & Entertainment tells ESPN. Fultz joins Toronto for his ninth NBA season after spending time with the Raptors 905 G League team. pic.twitter.com/vkaYURhzdB
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 23, 2026

The Raptors had ruled guard Immanuel Quickley out for Monday’s game with a foot injury, so this move may be related to that.

This will be Fultz’s first chance to play in the NBA this season after spending less than a month with Toronto’s G League team. The former No. 1 overall pick spent last season with the Sacramento Kings, appearing in 21 games in a bit role.

Fultz has not played regularly since 2023-24, his final season with the Orlando Magic. This is essentially how the remainder of his career will look, with the guard trying to stick on an NBA roster after a shoulder injury completely derailed his shooting form several years ago.

The Philadelphia 76ers selected Fultz with the No. 1 overall pick in 2017 , two picks ahead of Jayson Tatum. He has been firmly established as one of the most notorious NBA Draft busts ever.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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