New York Knicks: Pros and cons of trading for Markelle Fultz
![Philadelphia 76ers Markelle Fultz (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) Philadelphia 76ers Markelle Fultz (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8328fbd4483dd567011a7f70ce3d83e6602bd952aa9ddcd6ffc37c89ba9932f8.jpg)
Con: A larger spotlight
Philadelphia owns one of the largest media markets in the nation. That places a brighter spotlight on everything that happens, including its sports teams. Look at the Philadelphia Eagles, even before their Super Bowl win in February.
The 76ers haven’t received as many headlines as the Eagles, mostly due to their mediocrity as “The Process” developed and since the Allen Iverson trade over a decade ago.
New York is different, however. As noted, it’s maybe the mecca of media markets in the United States.
So, if the New York Knicks trade for Fultz, the attention on his game will only grow.
Can Fultz handle that? It’s a question that wouldn’t be answered until he plays, but if the shooting struggles continue, pressure will intensify from a vocal Knicks fanbase that wants to see their team improve and win and not create a distraction.
Given what has happened in Philadelphia, it potentially leans more toward issue than solution for Fultz in New York. The fans gave him a standing ovation for made three-pointers and jeered him otherwise. What will Knicks fans do?
Of course, if Fultz succeeds, this is a moot point for his NBA future. But, either way, there will be pressure, so could he navigate through it?