Melton Reflects on First Sixers Season During Final Stretch

One of the biggest acquisitions of the Philadelphia 76ers' 2022 offseason was the trade that sent Danny Green and their first-round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for De'Anthony Melton.

While initially brought into Philadelphia to take a spot on the team's bench, playing behind the starting partnership of Tyrese Maxey and James Harden, it only took a month in the season for Melton to hear his name consistently called in the starting lineup following lengthy injuries to both starters.

This wouldn't be something that the former USC guard is used to, only starting 15 games in his previous season with Memphis, with his season high in starts coming in his rookie year with the Phoenix Suns.

Following the Sixers' win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday night, the 24-year-old talked with NBC Sports Philadelphia about his transition and motives for playing in the City of Brotherly Love.

"I think conversations with my teammates and coaches helped me get acclimated," said Melton, "I just wanted to come out here to this city, this franchise, and prove what I can do and how much I contribute to a championship-caliber team."

Since the beginning of the month, Melton has been lethal from three-point land, averaging two shots from deep each game on an efficient 45 percent shooting. The 24-year-old attributes his recent success to his work ethic and talks with assistant coach Sam Cassell along with his teammates.

"It's my work, the work I've been putting in," explained Melton, "Talking to Sam Cassell, he always tells me to stay ready. I think with the guys we have right now, I'm going to get open looks... I'm just gonna keep making sure that I hit the open ones and keep finding my teammates at the same time."

Declan Harris contributes to All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him on Twitter: @DecIanH.

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