Every March, the NBA sees a wave of players getting their shot at the big leagues through 10-day contracts. These short-term deals often go to former second-round picks or undrafted talents who've made a name for themselves in the G League. But there's also a unique group of players trying to reignite their NBA careers, making the most of any playing time they can secure.
That's precisely the story of Markelle Fultz and Kennedy Chandler, who faced off at the Delta Center on Monday night.
Markelle Fultz, once the top pick in the 2017 draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, has had a career riddled with injuries and uncertainty, keeping him away from the court for nearly a year. Now, at 27, he's on a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, eager to prove his worth and secure a more permanent spot.
Reflecting on his journey, Fultz shared, “The key thing I’ve learned is that to give my best, I need to be healthy. I took the time to listen to my body and ignored outside noise. That focus has been crucial.”
On the other side, Kennedy Chandler, a standout recruit who led Tennessee to an SEC tournament title in 2022, faced his own challenges. Despite early draft buzz, Chandler slipped to the second round, partly due to his height, measuring 5'11.5" at the combine. After a brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies, he found himself grinding in the G League for three years before landing a 10-day deal with the Jazz.
Chandler made a strong impression, scoring 19 points and delivering four assists in his first NBA game back. Jazz head coach Will Hardy praised his performance, noting, “He handled himself great. It’s tough to step in and take on such a role, but he did it with poise.”
Chandler continued to impress with 13 points and nine assists in the Jazz’s game against the Raptors. His ability to quickly integrate and contribute late in the season is no surprise to former teammates Jaren Jackson Jr. and John Konchar, who knew his potential from their time together in Memphis.
Coach Hardy summed it up well, saying, “Desperation can drive incredible performances. When players get these finite opportunities, like a 10-day contract, they treat it like a sprint. Every player we've had on these deals has been outstanding.”
In a league where opportunities are fleeting, both Fultz and Chandler are making the most of their chances, reminding us all of the relentless pursuit that defines professional sports.