Table of Contents
De'Anthony Melton (Basketball Player)
De’Anthony Melton, fondly known as “Mr. Do Something,” is a talented American basketball player currently showcasing his skills with the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. His journey to professional basketball was marked by his time with the USC Trojans in the Pac-12 Conference. However, his collegiate career faced a setback during the 2017–18 season due to the tumultuous events surrounding the NCAA Division I men’s basketball corruption scandal.
Selected by the Houston Rockets in the 2018 NBA draft, De’Anthony Melton’s professional career took off, although he found himself quickly traded to the Phoenix Suns. Despite the change in scenery, he embraced the opportunity to prove his worth on the court. Subsequently, in July 2019, Melton transitioned to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he honed his skills and showcased his versatility for three seasons.
In a significant move during the 2022 off-season, De’Anthony Melton found himself donning the jersey of the Philadelphia 76ers, a testament to his growing reputation in the league. This move came as part of a trade deal involving Danny Green and the draft rights to David Roddy. Melton’s debut with the 76ers on October 18 showcased his ability to contribute, despite the team’s loss to the Boston Celtics.
Throughout the season, De’Anthony Melton proved to be a valuable asset for the 76ers, averaging an impressive 10.1 points per game and demonstrating prowess on the defensive end with 1.6 steals per game. His reliable shooting, particularly from beyond the 3-point line at 39%, further solidified his importance to the team’s strategies and aspirations.
North Hollywood, California, U.S.
| De’Anthony Melton | |
| Name | De’Anthony Melton |
| Date of Birth | May 28, 1998 |
| Birth Place | North Hollywood, California, U.S. |
| Nicknamed | Mr. Do Something |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Basketball Player |
| High School | Crespi Carmelite (Encino, California) |
| College | USC (2016–2017) |
| NBA Draft | 2018: 2nd round, 46th overall pick |
| Career | 2018–present |
| No. 8 – Philadelphia 76ers | |
| Position | Shooting guard/point guard |
| League | NBA |
| Career History | |
| 2018–2019 | Phoenix Suns |
| 2018–2019 | →Northern Arizona Suns |
| 2019–2022 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2022–present | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Stats | NBA.com |
| Dates joined |
|
High School in Encino
De’Anthony Melton’s journey from Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California, to the basketball courts was marked by stellar achievements and unforgettable moments. Graduating in 2016, he left an indelible mark on the school’s sports legacy, having guided his team to consecutive state championships and emerging as the leading scorer in its history.
During his junior year, De’Anthony Melton showcased his skills, averaging an impressive 15.5 points per game. His crowning moment came with a game-winning block in the state championship clash against Capital Christian High School in 2015, etching his name in the annals of high school basketball lore.
His senior year was nothing short of spectacular, with Melton elevating his game even further. Averaging 20 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.5 steals per game, he demonstrated a remarkable all-around ability that caught the attention of scouts and enthusiasts alike. Garnering accolades as a three-star recruit, De’Anthony Melton committed to the USC Trojans on November 20, 2015, solidifying his path to collegiate basketball.
His stellar performance on the court didn’t go unnoticed, as he emerged as one of the top contenders for the prestigious Mr. Basketball title, recognizing the state’s standout player. Additionally, he earned recognition on various platforms, including being named to the MaxPrep All-State first team, securing a spot in the L.A. Times All-Area lineup, and receiving the esteemed title of Daily News Player of the Year. De’Anthony Melton high school journey was not just a series of victories but a testament to his unwavering dedication and undeniable talent, laying the foundation for a promising future in the realm of basketball.
College Career
In the 2016-2017 season, De’Anthony Melton showcased his prowess on the court, featuring in 36 games and securing a starting spot for the final 25 matches. His stats spoke volumes, averaging 8.3 points, 3.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and an impressive 1.9 steals per game. Notably, on January 25, in a thrilling 84–76 victory against UCLA led by future #2 pick Lonzo Ball, De’Anthony Melton exhibited a stellar performance with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and a block. This stellar showing was followed by another standout game on February 1 against Washington, where he racked up 16 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 steals, and 2 blocks, facing off against future #1 pick Markelle Fultz.
De’Anthony Melton’s freshman achievements were nothing short of historic, as he became the first freshman since Dwyane Wade to amass over 300 points, 150 rebounds, 100 assists, 60 steals, and 35 blocks in a starting season. His remarkable contributions positioned him as a pivotal player for USC’s future endeavors.
However, De’Anthony Melton’s sophomore year took an unexpected turn. On September 26, 2017, amidst allegations of fraud and corruption in college basketball, federal prosecutors in New York unveiled charges against 10 individuals, including USC assistant coach Tony Bland. These charges implicated Bland and others in receiving benefits to sway student-athletes towards certain services. In the aftermath, USC took decisive action, indefinitely suspending Melton due to his family member’s involvement in the scandal. Subsequently, on February 21, 2018, Melton announced his decision to withdraw from USC and declare for the 2018 NBA draft, marking a pivotal moment in his basketball journey.
Professional Career
Drafted by the Houston Rockets as the 46th pick in the 2018 NBA draft, De’Anthony Melton showcased his skills during the 2018 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Across five games, he demonstrated his versatility, averaging an impressive 16.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 steals per game. His standout performance came on July 9 when he led his team to victory against the Los Angeles Clippers with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Transitioning to the Phoenix Suns on August 31 in a trade involving Ryan Anderson, De’Anthony Melton quickly made his mark, signing with the Suns on September 21. Although his professional debut came on October 22 against the Golden State Warriors, it wasn’t until October 31 against the San Antonio Spurs that he saw significant playing time. Briefly assigned to the Northern Arizona Suns, the Suns’ G League affiliate, Melton returned to Phoenix after one game.
Throughout the season, De’Anthony Melton displayed flashes of brilliance, such as his professional high of 21 points against the Sacramento Kings on December 4 and a season-high 10 assists in a game against the Denver Nuggets on January 12, 2019. Despite a setback due to a right ankle sprain in January, Melton bounced back, showcasing his defensive prowess by ranking second in rookie steals for the 2018–19 season.
His tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies, beginning in 2019, saw De’Anthony Melton continue to evolve as a player. Notable moments include a season-high 24 points against the Sacramento Kings on February 20, 2020, and re-signing with the Grizzlies in November 2020 on a lucrative 4-year contract. His contributions helped the Grizzlies secure a playoff berth in 2021 and 2022, though they faced elimination in the second round during the latter year.
Traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in June 2022, De’Anthony Melton made his debut on October 18, showcasing his scoring ability with five points against the Boston Celtics. Throughout the season, he maintained an impressive average of 10.1 points and 1.6 steals per game, demonstrating his value on both ends of the court, particularly with his solid three-point shooting at 39%.
De’Anthony Melton journey from the Rockets to the Grizzlies and now the 76ers illustrates his growth as a player and his ability to adapt to different team dynamics. With each season, he continues to prove himself as a valuable asset in the NBA.
This table summarizes Melton’s performance in the specified seasons, including games played (GP), games started (GS), minutes per game (MPG), field goal percentage (FG%), three-point percentage (3P%), free throw percentage (FT%), rebounds per game (RPG), assists per game (APG), steals per game (SPG), blocks per game (BPG), and points per game (PPG).
Regular Season
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | Phoenix | 50 | 31 | 19.7 | .391 | .305 | .750 | 2.7 | 3.2 | 1.4 | .5 | 5.0 |
| 2019–20 | Memphis | 60 | 8 | 19.5 | .401 | .286 | .769 | 3.7 | 2.9 | 1.3 | .3 | 7.6 |
| 2020–21 | Memphis | 52 | 1 | 20.1 | .438 | .412 | .804 | 3.1 | 2.5 | 1.2 | .6 | 9.1 |
| 2021–22 | Memphis | 73 | 15 | 22.7 | .404 | .374 | .750 | 4.5 | 2.7 | 1.4 | .5 | 10.8 |
| 2022–23 | Philadelphia | 77 | 58 | 27.9 | .425 | .390 | .793 | 4.1 | 2.6 | 1.6 | .5 | 10.1 |
| Career | 312 | 113 | 22.4 | .414 | .370 | .771 | 3.7 | 2.7 | 1.4 | .5 | 8.8 |
Play-in
Playoffs
College
| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | USC | 36 | 25 | 27.0 | .437 | .284 | .706 | 4.7 | 3.5 | 1.9 | 1.0 | 8.3 |
