76ers' Markelle Fultz having shoulder exam; no word on next steps

Examinations of Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz's right shoulder will extend through Wednesday in New York and no decision on his next steps is expected until later in the week, league sources told ESPN.

Fultz's agent and attorney, Raymond Brothers, informed the Sixers that Fultz would seek further opinions on his shoulder before a return to the court -- a decision that the organization has left to Fultz and his representatives.

Fultz, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, has lost the ability to carry out and follow through on long jump shots, and there has been internal and external debate about how much of this perplexing circumstance is physical versus mental. Before Fultz stepped away last week, it appeared that T.J. McConnell would be taking over a majority of Fultz's minutes as the Sixers' backup point guard.

In recent weeks, the Sixers stopped listening to trade overtures for McConnell, sources said, a reflection of the fact that the organization knows it will be leaning more heavily on him now. McConnell can be a free agent this summer.

The Sixers (14-8) continue to expect that Fultz will return to the team and reclaim a role off the bench, sources said.