CJ Fulton is set to return to the United States in September to join the Minnesota Timberwolves for their NBA preseason activities. The former standout player from Belfast made his Timberwolves debut during the NBA Summer League, appearing for four minutes in an 89-85 win over the Phoenix Suns last month.
By making this appearance, Fulton became only the third player born in Ireland to compete at the highest level of basketball in the US, following Pat Burke and Susan Moran. The 23-year-old also played 17 minutes with the Houston Rockets, recording two points, two assists, and two steals, impressing scouts during his time in Las Vegas, which earned him an invitation to train with the team.
Though Fulton currently holds no official contract with the NBA team, he will have the chance to prepare for the upcoming season alongside the full roster, including All-Star Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves, recent Western Conference finalists, are scheduled to play six preseason games, including matches against the Guangzhou Long Lions from China, before starting the regular season on October 27 against the Denver Nuggets.
Fulton first caught the Timberwolves’ attention through his college performances at Lafayette and Charleston Cougars, where he averaged 7.8 points and 6.5 assists per game in his senior year. Despite going undrafted in the June NBA Draft, he still has the opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing in the league.
While pursuing professional opportunities in the NBA’s development league (G League) or European leagues remains an option for the former St. Malakey college player, his primary ambition is to earn a spot on an NBA roster.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for basketball fans as it highlights emerging international talent making strides towards the NBA, underscoring the league’s growing global reach. Fulton’s journey also serves as an inspiring reminder that persistence and skill can open doors to the highest levels of the sport, even without being drafted.
