Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz has reportedly been diagnosed with Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome aka TOS, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
As Woj notes, TOS is a physical injury that affects nerves between the neck and shoulder, resulting in abnormal functional movement and range of motion. Therefore, severely limiting Fultz's ability to shoot a basketball.
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Needless to say, Fultz will remain out indefinitely. The 20-year old guard has not appeared in a game since the team's November 19th win against the Phoenix Suns, after which he was evaluated by multiple specialists.
The Sixers released a statement today regarding the diagnosis, which reads:
"Markelle Fultz has recently completed a thorough series of consultations with specialists across several disciplines. Thoracic outlet syndrome, which involves compression or irritation in the thoracic outlet (area between lower neck and upper chest), was identified.
Physical therapy was recommended for Fultz before returning to play.
Fultz will begin his physical therapy immediately, is out indefinitely, and further updates will be provided as appropriate."
Fultz, the 2017 #1 overall pick by the Sixers, missed most of his rookie season with a shoulder injury and his struggles shooting the ball have been well documented over the course of his young NBA career. However, Wojnarowski reports that there's optimism Fultz will return in three to six weeks, depending on the success of his rehab and pain tolerance.
The Sixers, 17-8, will take on the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night in a nationally televised game airing on ESPN at 8pm ET.