Despite having a great start to their careers, some NBA stars fail to achieve glory as they go ahead. Ben Simmons was bestowed with the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award in 2018 and he made a lot of fans in the process. Lately, the Brooklyn Nets star is not enjoying the same success. Injuries have become the only constant in the Aussie’s career. However, a former teammate of Simmons, who was also haunted by similar misfortunes, has now bounced back stronger than ever; so much so that he is outperforming NBA stars such as Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving in certain departments of the game.

While getting the Number 1 pick in the NBA Draft is a huge moment for any franchise, getting back-to-back 1st picks is a true fortuitous moment. That was the case with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016 and 2017. However, the 76ers must be lamenting their decisions as both of those picks aren’t with the team anymore. While Simmons’ story is well documented, the 2017 NBA Draft 1st pick, Markelle Fultz hasn’t been in the news as much. The former 76ers guard is having a great season with the Orlando Magic.

Markelle Fultz sets the stage on fire

Markelle Fultz was selected as the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers and had played by Simmon’s side when the Aussie claimed the Rookie of the Year award. Like his teammate, Fultz too was troubled by physical maladies and fatigued performances. Soon, the young guard was traded to the Orlando Magic, way before Simmons left the 76ers. These former 76ers teammates are in a phase where they are trying to reignite their careers. However, the ball is in Fultz’s court as he is having the best time of his career on the back of stellar performances.

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In terms of shooting, the 24-year-old is outperforming the league’s stalwarts such as Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving. Meanwhile, Simmons’ numbers are inferior to those of Fultz’s. Moreover, Fultz has emerged for the Magic as a force worth relying on. However, for the Aussie, that reputation is still something he can aspire to. What has prompted the supporters to compare these former teammates is the fact that Fultz is having this great a time after recovering from numerous injuries.

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As the Magic star is wowing NBA fans with his zealous displays, certain fans are using the occasion to taunt Ben Simmons. Fans have given comments such as “This makes Ben Simmons look even worse,” “And sixers thought he wasnt better than Ben Simmons,” and “Ben Simmons who???”

Here are some other reactions from fans:

“Good stuff right there. He didn’t quit and fought through those tough times. Well done!”

“Glad to see Markelle getting better. Sixers gave up on him easy since they had, wait for it, Ben Simmons.”

“Crazy that he considered a better piece than Ben Simmons now. Happy for the kid.”

Best time for Markelle Fultz, not for Ben Simmons

While Markelle Fultz is having a career-best year in PPG, FG%, 3PT%, APG, SPG & RPG, Simmons continues to struggle. Moreover, the Magic star is two years younger than his former 76ers teammate. The fact that Simmons is getting outperformed by a younger player adds to the contempt of the fans.

However, Ben Simmons’ Brooklyn Nets are in much better shape than Fultz’s Orlando Magic. Nonetheless, Simmons has contributed very little to their success. On the other hand, Fultz is one of the major pieces in a young Magic team.

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Along with Paolo Banchero, he has finally provided the city of Orlando with some hope after years of disappointments. With the Simmons-Fultz comparison at hand, fans will be more than eager to witness the clash between the Nets and the Magic due later this month.