Sixers' JJ Redick calls media coverage of Markelle Fultz's shooting 'obsessive'

JJ Redick has had enough.

The 76ers shooting guard is tired of what he calls the media's obsession with taking videos of Markelle Fultz shooting the ball after practices. Fultz, the first overall pick in last June's NBA draft, will miss his 48th consecutive game Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Wells Fargo Center while he relearns how to shoot after rehabbing a shoulder injury.

"He's working his [butt] off," Redick said after Friday's shootaround. "I understand that fans want to see his progress, but this is maybe going to a longer process than we all hoped for.  He may be back on the court soon. I don't know. That's not my thing.

"But I don't get the coming in here every day to like watch him shoot pull-up jumpers. That's a little obsessive."

Asked how Fultz is dealing with the situation, Redick responded that it's a question to ask Fultz. He wasn't going to speak for his teammate, whom the Sixers won't make available to the local media.

"But we're all supportive of him," Redick said. "We all want to see him back on the court and enjoying what he loves to do."

The 33-year-old said the Sixers show Fultz support daily through conversations and group text messages.

Redick said he has seen a lot of strange things during his 12 seasons in the NBA. He added that you ultimately have to put a player out there if he's going to be in a position to be successful.

"When that is, that's not up to me," Redick said. "So there's no point in me speculating.  But again, we are all here for [Fultz]."