Markelle Fultz has only played a handful of games in his rookie season for the Philadelphia 76ers, and while the Sixers have been absolutely fine without him, they'd love to have him back in the line up in time for the playoffs.

Before Saturday's win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sixers head coach Brett Brown said it's up to Fultz to let the team know that he's ready to play before they make a decision on his status for the rest of the regular season and playoffs.

According to NBA.com, Brown said on Fultz' situation: “I think he is quite close. I think if we’d all watch the video we’d all probably agree with that.”

He continued: “It’s just something that when Markelle Fultz feels like he can go – he really feels good about himself and his health, the shoulder, everything and the medical people support that — he knows that he has a coaching staff and a team that will welcome him in when he says go.

"He also understands the season is around the corner in terms of the end of the regular season. That’s where it’s at.”

Philadelphia traded up two spots in last year's draft to select Fultz first overall. However, due to a shoulder injury, the rookie point guard has only appeared in four games this season, averaging six points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest.

His last appearance came on October 23 against the Detroit Pistons, where he was shut down after that game due to a shoulder injury that previously required cortisone shots due to pain and inflammation.

While Fultz has long since returned to practice, he is still working on his shooting form. Video from workouts in January showed him pushing the ball from his chest in an awkward fashion. Saturday marked the 68th consecutive game which he was unavailable for.

However, it's not like the Sixers have desperately needed him this season. Following another win yesterday, as they're in the middle of a six-game winning streak and find themselves just one game behind the third-placed Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.

They're on the right path towards having their best finish in the Eastern Conference since the 2002-03 season, but have Fultz back for the playoffs would boost their hopes of going far into the postseason for sure.

Philadelphia plays next when they host the Denver Nuggets at the Wells Fargo Center on Monday night.

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