Markelle Fultz diagnosed with Thoracic outlet syndrome

Markelle Fultz has been diagnosed with a medical condition that is said to be severely impacting his ability to shoot.

According to comments by Fultz’s agent shared by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Fultz has been diagnosed with Thoracic outlet syndrome, which affects the nerves between the neck and shoulder. The agent says the condition can severely affect the way a player shoots the ball.

Agent Raymond Brothers: “Markelle (Fultz) has been diagnosed with Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, (TOS), a physical injury.
TOS affects nerves between the neck and shoulder resulting in abnormal functional movement and range of motion, thus severely shoot a basketball…”

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 4, 2018

This diagnosis may bring some relief to Fultz and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ever since he was drafted No. 1 overall, Fultz has dealt with issues. There had been questions about whether he had a legitimate medical condition or mental issues like the yips. Fultz seemed to think it was the former, while the team seemed to think it was the latter.

Perhaps now that they know about the diagnosis, Fultz will be able to be treated and eventually return to his normal form. Shams Charania says Fultz will begin physical therapy and could be out weeks.

Sources: 76ers‘ Markelle Fultz will be out indefinitely with thoracic outlet syndrome, starting physical therapy immediately. Likely weeks.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 4, 2018

Fultz has not played since Nov. 19 while seeing specialists. He’s averaged 8.2 points and 3.1 assists per game in 19 games this season.