De’Anthony Melton
De’Anthony Melton is an American professional basketball player who plays in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born in North Hollywood, California, on May 28, 1998, Melton is known for his versatility, defensive tenacity, and ability to contribute in multiple statistical categories, earning him the nickname “Mr. Do Something.” He primarily plays the point guard position, is 1.91 meters tall, and weighs approximately 91 kilograms. High School and College Career Melton attended Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California. In his senior season, he showcased his potential as a complete player, averaging an impressive 20 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.5 steals per game. His performance classified him as a three-star recruit, and he committed to play college basketball for the University of Southern California (USC). At USC Trojans, Melton quickly stood out in his freshman season. He became the first freshman in recent university history to record a minimum of 300 points, 150 rebounds, 100 assists, 60 steals, and 35 blocks. This rare statistical production underscored his contribution in all aspects of the game. However, his college career was cut short during his sophomore season as he was involved in events related to the 2017–18 NCAA college basketball corruption scandal, which prevented him from playing for the remainder of the season. Professional NBA Career After the incident, Melton declared himself eligible for the 2018 NBA Draft. Draft and Start (Phoenix Suns) Melton was selected by the Houston Rockets as the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 Draft. However, even before the start of his rookie season, his rights were traded to the Phoenix Suns. He spent his rookie season (2018–2019) with the Suns, where he showed glimpses of his defensive and playmaking potential. Memphis Grizzlies In July 2019, Melton was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. It was in Memphis that he truly established himself as a valuable rotation player and a key part of the team’s young core. He spent three seasons with the Grizzlies, becoming an impactful player off the bench, known for his energy, steals, and ability to speed up the game. His presence on the court was often associated with an increase in the team’s defensive intensity. Philadelphia 76ers During the 2022 off-season, Melton was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. With the 76ers, he frequently started, proving to be an excellent fit due to his on-ball defense and three-point shooting ability. His versatility allowed him to fill various roles in the team’s tactical scheme, being crucial in perimeter defense. Golden State Warriors (and Recent Moves) After his stint with the 76ers, De’Anthony Melton was the target of several moves in the league. In the 2024 off-season, he became a free agent and eventually joined the Golden State Warriors (his most recent team, according to records). He continues to be an elite defensive presence, proving to be a versatile and extremely useful player in any system that values defense and secondary playmaking. Melton is an example of a player who, although not a lottery pick, worked to become an impactful defender and a valuable asset in the NBA, capable of influencing the outcome of games on both ends of the court.
