The 76ers have another health issue with a top pick.

Following on the heels of the injury travails of Joel Embiid (foot, knee) and Ben Simmons (foot), No.1 overall pick Markelle Fultz is now sidelined with soreness and scapular muscle imbalance in his right shoulder.

Fultz had shoulder problems throughout the preseason and had a cortisone injection on Oct. 5. Sunday’s announcement comes with the caveat that Fultz will be checked again in three weeks.

It would be unusual if three weeks of physical therapy could solve Fultz’s problems. It is more likely the Sixers just want him headed in the right direction in three weeks.


Don’t be surprised if Fultz is seen wearing a special shirt with straps to help stabilize and train the scapula, much like a special knee or ankle brace.

The good news is that that multiple doctors say there is no structural damage.

No surgery is planned. But that doesn’t mean he won’t have surgery at some point.

First, the Sixers will evidently continue with a further trial of conservative care and physical therapy.


Shoulder joint motion is complex. Two-thirds of movement is from the glenohumeral (ball and socket) joint. The other third is from the scapulo-thoracic joint (shoulder blade against the chest wall).

The shoulder blade (scapula) is part of the same bone as the glenoid (socket).

A problem at the scapula (base) can lead to a problem at the joint.

If the scapular muscle imbalance is the issue, it takes longer to correct as his body and muscles need to be retrained.


At this point, all that has happened is that a name has been assigned to the problem. The problem hasn’t been fixed yet.

It can be corrected with therapy, but surgery is not out of the question.

Dr. David Chao (@ProFootballDoc) is an orthopedist and was an NFL head team physician for 17 years. He also spent time as an assistant team physicians for the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves.

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