De'Anthony Melton morphs into 'Mr. Do Something' for 76ers

First-year Sixers guard De'Anthony Melton didn't get off to a great start, but "Mr. Do Something" is rolling now.

After another second-round exit in the playoffs last season, the 76ers revamped their roster in hopes of building a contender. With Joel Embiid and James Harden solidified as the team's stars, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey focused on improving the cast of players around them. 

Morey's first swing of the offseason came on draft night when he acquired Melton from the Memphis Grizzlies. The 24-year-old was fresh off a career season in which he posted averages of 10.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.4 SPG and shot nearly 38% from beyond the arc. His defensive mindset and ability to space the floor make him an ideal third guard behind Harden and Tyrese Maxey. 

But he didn't get off to a great start in Philly.

In four preseason matchups, Melton averaged seven points and shot 32.3% from the field and 16.7 percent from 3. 

Now Melton appears to be finding his footing. He has scored in double figures in each of the past five games and filled the box score in multiple areas.

In Philly's most recent win, over the Washington Wizards, he posted 16 points, two rebounds, and one assist. 

After only eight games, Melton is proving why he is a valuable pickup. What's been most impressive is his ability to seamlessly shift between the starting lineup and second unit.

In his first start for the Sixers last week, he posted 13 points, five rebounds, six assists and five steals.

 Following his impressive run of performances, Maxey opened up about Melton:

"Melton's huge, man. They call him Mr. Do Something for a reason ...We asked him to guard Bradley Beal, we asked him to make open threes, we asked him to do some many different things on the basketball court, and that's what he does." (h/t Ky Carlin via NBC Sports Philadelphia).

Morey gave up a valuable veteran asset in Danny Green to bring in the young guard, and it is shaping up to be a great move. 

As Melton continues to grow more comfortable with his new team, he has the chance to be a major X-factor for the Sixers in their quest for a championship.