PHILADELPHIA–Philadelphia 76ers offseason addition De’Anthony Melton was expected to provide consistent play on both ends of the floor after the team acquired him from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Thus far, he has lived up to that billing, but one can see where he still has work to do out on the floor.
Melton had 10 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in Friday’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks, but there were a few moments where it looked like he wasn’t sure where he needed to be on the offensive end and it caused a few turnovers.
“I feel like I’m doing pretty well, but understanding how our team is gonna play our players and stuff like that,” said Melton after the win. “Getting such a big presence that Joel (Embiid) brings just finding my space like that. I have no choice now so ima keep going.”
Melton has a unique job out on the floor right now as not only the floor spacer for Embiid, but he also has to run the offense and continue to get the team into their sets. That’s what life is for the Sixers at the moment as they continue to find their way without James Harden and deal with the injury to Tyrese Maxey.
“Just understanding where my spots are,” Melton added. “When to attack, when not to, where certain guys are gonna be at on the floor, and just the flow and the movement of the game.”
On top of that, Melton is dealing with back tightness. He has been in and out of the lineup, and as Philadelphia prepares to move forward with their season, they hope that their versatile guard is ready to go.
“I’m here to win games,” he smiled. “I’ll worry about all that other stuff later after the game. Once I’m out there, I feel the adrenaline going, and I’ll be fine.”
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