CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers will reach the halfway point of the 2022-23 season on Thursday. They are fifth in the Eastern Conference despite injury issues up and down the roster.
James Harden, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have missed stretches of time due to injuries and illnesses, but they are still finding ways to win mostly due to others stepping up when needed.
De’Anthony Melton, an acquisition on draft night in a trade, has started 29 of the 36 games he has played in. He’s averaging career highs in points (11.8), rebounds (4.7) and steals (1.9). He’s also shooting 40.3% from deep, so one can say he is pretty comfortable out on the floor.
“The comfort level is good,” said Melton. “We got guys getting back from sickness and injuries, stuff like that, so that’s always good for our team. Just lock in for the rest until the All-Star break.”
Melton’s play has been helpful with Philadelphia missing so many different pieces of their lineup, but it isn’t surprising. He had to start 15 games for the Memphis Grizzlies when star Ja Morant missed time with injuries as well.
“That’s, honestly, the NBA,” Melton added. “Next man up. You always gotta be ready for your name to be called. That’s why we have practice. That’s why we have off days. You can put in extra work, you can always get better, so that’s what I did.”
Melton has taken steps forward as a player throughout his career. He shot just 30.5% from deep as a rookie and 28.6% in his second season in the league, but he has become a reliable 3-point shooter and an elite defender.
“Coming into the league young just understanding that always getting better no matter what, what’s led me to where I’m at today,” he added. “I think it’s the most important thing to stay in the gym, keep working, and just be ready.”
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