CAMDEN, N.J. — The Philadelphia 76ers made a terrific move on draft night 2022 when they acquired De’Anthony Melton from the Memphis Grizzlies. Melton has been a perfect fit for the Sixers as a 3-and-D player.
In his second season with the Sixers, Melton is a full-time starter who averages 11.6 points, 4 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 36.9% from deep. He has consistently taken on the opposition’s best scorer and does a little bit of everything for the Sixers.
Coach Nick Nurse has allowed guys to be themselves. With the help of assistant Rico Hines, Melton has morphed into an important piece for the Sixers.
“It feels good,” Melton explained. “I mean, sometimes you need that support behind you. You got Nick pushing me. You got Rico pushing me and stuff like that. Just to be great out there. Just being aggressive and whatever comes with it comes with it and just from the start of this season and just working on my game and everything in the summer. Coach sees a lot of good things from me so I just kind of provide that for my team and continue to win.”
Melton’s nickname is “Mr. Do Something” due to the fact he does almost everything on the floor. He can shoot. He is a terrific defender. He can handle the ball. He can help on the glass, and he can make plays for others. He is a helpful player.
Melton missed Friday’s win over the Toronto Raptors due to a thigh contusion, but he looks like he can return for the Christmas Day matchup against the Miami Heat.
“I practiced fully today (Saturday),” said Melton. “I went through drills and stuff like that. So my thigh feels good and yeah, I’m ready.”
Still, the Sixers want to make sure Melton is going to be back permanently so they had him wearing thigh pads at practice on Saturday just to help prevent another injury.
“It’s something they want me to test out just in case,” he explained. “You don’t want nothing to happen right again right away. So just in case to prevent something.”
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