Sixers' Markelle Fultz will likely start season coming off bench

Markelle Fultz returned to be a full participant at Sunday's 76ers practice, but returning to the starting lineup will likely take longer.

Fultz, the NBA's No. 1 overall draft pick from the University of Washington, missed the 76ers' final two preseason games with right knee soreness.

He also was sidelined for the Oct. 6 preseason game with right shoulder soreness.

"I am feeling better and that is all I can ask for," Fultz said after Sunday's practice. "The treatment I have been getting has helped me and I am feeling good."

Asked if Fultz would start in Wednesday's season-opening game in Washington against the Wizards, Sixers coach Brett Brown said, "I don't believe so."

Brown then elaborated.

"He hasn't played much basketball in the preseason," Brown said. "He's been out for a while. He hasn't been with our group. … Do you put him into the fire right away and have him play against starting NBA defensive players? Especially with the little foundation that he has, I don't think that's smart."

In two preseason games, Fultz averaged eight points and 2.5 assists in 23.5 minutes.

Veteran Jerryd Bayless would likely start in place of Fultz.

The coach wasn't too specific on his plans for Fultz in the opener.

"I expect that he will play in the game and he looked good [Sunday] and we will continue to grow him," Brown said. "Physically he looked OK today."

Brown added that there is no minutes restriction that he knows of for Fultz.

Meanwhile, Fultz says he would have no problem coming off the bench.

"I will do what I have to do to help my team win," Fultz said. "So if that is coming off the bench, I am fine with that and just contributing any way I can."

When asked what is bothering him more, the shoulder or the knee, Fultz said: "It is hard to say. I try not to focus on it."

In his two preseason appearances, Fultz shot 7 for 24 from the field, 0 for 3 from three-point range and 2 for 5 from the foul line. The struggles, according to Fultz are connected to his shoulder woes.

"My shoulder is bothering me," he said. "That is the reason my shot is like that."

Center Joel Embiid, who played in the final two preseason games, didn't participate in practice on Sunday although he took part in individualized training.

Embiid was listed as out for practice with left knee rehabilitation/left ankle sprain. He suffered the ankle injury during Friday's preseason finale.

The Sixers have been cautious with Embiid, who underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee on March 24.

Brown said Embiid would return to practice on Monday.

When asked if he expected Embiid to play on Wednesday, Brown replied, "I do."

Forward-center Amir Johnson, who missed Friday's preseason finale against Miami in Kansas City due to right ankle soreness, was a full participant in practice.

"Body-wise and health-wise, I feel good," Johnson said.