Fultz out indefinitely with nerve issue between neck, shoulder

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Markelle Fultz has been diagnosed with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, an injury-induced disorder that affects nerves between the neck and shoulder, the team confirmed Tuesday.

The 76ers' announcement followed a statement from Fultz's agent, Raymond Brothers, to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The team said Fultz will begin physical therapy and is out indefinitely. Wojnarowski reports, however, that there is optimism he could return in three-to-six weeks.

The No. 1 pick in the 2017 draft has been away from the team since Nov. 20 while seeking opinions on his shoulder problems. Fultz visited several specialists, Wojnarowski adds.

"People were saying it was a mental problem and it is not. There’s no way you’re the No. 1 pick in the world and all of a sudden you aren’t able to consistently raise your arms to shoot," Brothers told Wojnarowski. "Something is physically wrong. Now we have the answer to that problem."

Thoracic outlet syndrome can result in abnormal functional movement and range of motion, affecting one's ability to do things like shoot a basketball. Fultz's shooting form has been marred by a myriad of issues since entering the NBA and he's connected on under 54 percent of his free throws.