CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Philadelphia 76ers made really solid additions in the offseason, bringing in PJ Tucker, De’Anthony Melton and Danuel House Jr. All are expected to add toughness and contributions at both ends of the court while being mainstays in the rotation.
On Tuesday, the Sixers came together to prepare for the 2022-23 season and have their new additions mesh with the talent already on the roster.
Melton was singled out by coach Doc Rivers for his defensive work on the floor. He was picking up guards full court and really bothering them, giving Rivers a good idea how to use Melton off the bench.
Melton was impressed by Tyrese Maxey, and how he is able to handle himself on the offensive end.
“He’s a quick, decisive guard” Melton said of Maxey. “He’s able to get downhill, but he can pull up on you at any time and he’s very good at getting to the paint and finishing and stuff like that. It’s his offensive game, it’s evolving as he gets older.”
Melton and Maxey worked out together in the summer. They took part in a number of pickup runs in open gyms and worked in other closed sessions. Melton was blown away by Maxey’s work ethic.
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“Besides the basketball, he’s just a really good dude,” he explained. “He’s down to earth, he’s laughing all the time, but his work ethic is his biggest thing. Just talking with him, the time we worked out, he said it was his second workout already. I was like ‘Bro it’s like 9 a.m.!’ but his work ethic is the biggest thing. It’s contagious for this team, too.”
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