De'Anthony Melton(born May 28, 1998), nicknamed "Mr. Do Something",[1]is an American professionalbasketballplayer for theGolden State Warriorsof theNational Basketball Association(NBA). He playedcollege basketballfor theUSC Trojansof thePac-12 Conference,but did not play in the 2017–18 season due to the events relating to the2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball corruption scandal.

De'Anthony Melton
Melton with theMemphis Grizzliesin 2021
No. 8 – Golden State Warriors
PositionShooting guard/point guard
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born(1998-05-28)May 28, 1998(age 26)
North Hollywood, California,U.S.
Listed height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Listed weight200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High schoolCrespi Carmelite(Encino, California)
CollegeUSC(2016–2017)
NBA draft2018:2nd round, 46th overall pick
Selected by theHouston Rockets
Playing career2018–present
Career history
2018–2019Phoenix Suns
2018–2019Northern Arizona Suns
20192022Memphis Grizzlies
20222024Philadelphia 76ers
2024–presentGolden State Warriors
Statsat NBA.comEdit this at Wikidata
StatsatBasketball Reference

Melton was selected by theHouston Rocketsin the second round of the2018 NBA draftwith the 46th pick, but was traded to thePhoenix Sunsbefore his rookie season began. After a season in Phoenix, he was dealt to theMemphis Grizzliesin July 2019. Melton spent three seasons in Memphis before being traded to thePhiladelphia 76ersduring the 2022 off-season.

High school career

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Melton graduated fromCrespi Carmelite High SchoolinEncino, Californiain 2016, after having led his team to back-to-back state titles and leaving as the school's all-time leading scorer.[2]

As a junior, Melton averaged 15.5 points. Melton had the game winning block in the state championship against Capital Christian High School in 2015.[3]

As a senior, Melton averaged 20 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.5 steals.[4]As a three-starrecruit,he committed to theUSC Trojanson November 20, 2015.[citation needed]He was one of three finalists for Mr. Basketball as the state player of the year, was named MaxPrep All-State first team, L.A. Times All-Area and the Daily News Player of the Year.[5]

College career

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Freshman year

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Melton played in 36 games, starting in the last 25 games of the season that year. He averaged 8.3 points, 3.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. On January 25, in an 84–76 win over future #2 pickLonzo Balland UCLA, Melton had 13 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and a block. He followed this performance with a 16-point, 7 rebound, 6 assist, 6 steal, and 2 block game against future #1 pickMarkelle Fultzand Washington on February 1.

Melton became the first freshman to record at least 300 points, 150 rebounds, 100 assists, 60 steals, and 35 blocks in their starting season sinceDwyane Wade.[6]As a result of those starts, he was projected to be a key player for USC's upcoming season.[7]

Sophomore year

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On September 26, 2017, federal prosecutors in New York announced charges offraud and corruption against 10 people involved in college basketball,including USC assistant coach Tony Bland.[8]The charges allege that Bland and other members involved allegedly received benefits from financial advisers and others to influence student-athletes to retain their services.[9]Following the announcement, USC indefinitely suspended Melton in relation to the scandal due to a family member's involvement there. On February 21, 2018, Melton announced he would withdraw from USC and declare for the2018 NBA draft.[10]

Professional career

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Phoenix Suns (2018–2019)

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Melton was selected with the 46th pick by theHouston Rocketsin the2018 NBA draft.He played for the Rockets during the2018 NBA Summer Leaguein Las Vegas. In five games, Melton recorded 16.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 steals per game. His best game during the event was on July 9 where he made 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a 104–90 win over theLos Angeles Clippers.[11]On August 31, Melton was traded alongsideRyan Andersonto thePhoenix Sunsin exchange forBrandon KnightandMarquese Chriss.[12]Melton signed with the Suns on September 21.[13]He made his professional debut with the Suns on October 22, 2018, in a 123–103 loss to theGolden State Warriors,but did not record significant playing time until October 31 in a 120–90 loss to theSan Antonio Spurs.Melton was assigned to theNorthern Arizona Suns,Phoenix's development team in theNBA G League,for their first game of the season on November 3, 2018. He played the one game, a 118–108 loss to theSanta Cruz Warriors,and was recalled to Phoenix the next day.

On December 4, Melton recorded a professional high of 21 points in a 122–105 loss to theSacramento Kings.[14]He also recorded a season-high 10 assists in a 102–93 win over theDenver Nuggetson January 12, 2019.[15]Melton later suffered a right ankle sprain on January 24, leaving him out of action for close to a month before returning briefly for the NBA G League on February 20,[16]and then played in the NBA proper three days later against theAtlanta Hawks.On March 16, Melton recorded a career-high 8 rebounds in a 138–136 overtime win over theNew Orleans Pelicans.[17]

Melton was 2nd in the NBA in rookie steals in 2018–19 with 1.36 spg. When Melton was on the floor, he recorded steals more frequently than any other player in the NBA, ranking 1st with 3.3 steals per 100 possessions (min. 700 total minutes played). Among rookies to start in majority of their appearances, Melton's 3.3 steals per 100 possessions are tied for 6th most all-time in Basketball-Reference's database.[18]

Memphis Grizzlies (2019–2022)

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On July 7, 2019, the Suns traded Melton,Josh Jackson,and two second round picks to theMemphis Grizzliesin exchange forJevon CarterandKyle Korver.[19]Melton made his Grizzlies debut on October 23, recording two assists in a 120–101 loss to theMiami Heat.[20]On February 20, 2020, he scored a season-high 24 points, alongside six rebounds and three assists, in a 129–125 loss to theSacramento Kings.[21]

On November 22, 2020, Melton re-signed with the Grizzlies on a 4-year, $34.6 million contract.[22]On April 19, 2021, he scored a season-high 25 points, alongside eight rebounds, six assists and five steals in a 139–137 double overtime loss to theDenver Nuggets.[23]Melton helped the Grizzlies qualify for the playoffs for the first time since2017,and they faced the top-seededUtah Jazzduring their first-round series. Melton made his playoff debut on May 23, 2021, recording two rebounds and two assists in a 112–109 Game 1 win.[24]The Grizzlies ended up losing the series in five games.

On March 26, 2022, Melton scored a season-high 24 points, alongside three rebounds, two assists and three steals, in a 127–102 win over theMilwaukee Bucks.[25]The Grizzlies qualified for the playoffs for a second straight season and faced theMinnesota Timberwolvesduring their first-round series. The Grizzlies were eventually eliminated by the eventual champions, theGolden State Warriors,in the second round.

Philadelphia 76ers (2022–2024)

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On June 24, 2022, Melton was traded to thePhiladelphia 76ersin exchange forDanny Greenand the draft rights toDavid Roddy.[26]Melton made his 76ers debut on October 18, scoring five points in a 126–117 loss to theBoston Celtics.[27]

Melton finished the 2022-23 season with the 76ers averaging 10.1 points and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 39% from beyond the 3-point line.[28]

Melton sustained a back injury during the 2023-24 season that limited his play to 38 games.[29]Melton achieved career high averages in free-throw percentage (83.5%) and points per game (11.1), while matching his career high 1.6 steals per game from the previous season.

Golden State Warriors (2024–present)

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On July 8, 2024, Melton signed with theGolden State Warriors.[30]In 6 games (3 starts) for the Warriors, he average 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. On November 20, it was announced that Melton would require season–ending surgery to repair a partially–tornACL.[31]

Career statistics

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Legend
GP Games played GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
FG% Field goalpercentage 3P% 3-point field goalpercentage FT% Free throwpercentage
RPG Reboundsper game APG Assistsper game SPG Stealsper game
BPG Blocksper game PPG Points per game Bold Career high

Regular season

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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
2023–24 Philadelphia 38 33 26.9 .386 .360 .835 3.7 3.0 1.6 .4 11.1
2024–25 Golden State 6 2 20.2 .407 .371 .625 3.3 2.8 1.2 .3 10.3
Career 356 148 22.9 .410 .369 .779 3.7 2.8 1.4 .5 9.1

Play-in

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2020 Memphis 1 0 14.4 .250 1.000 4.0 1.0 2.0 .0 3.0
2021 Memphis 2 0 10.7 .375 .250 1.5 .5 .0 .5 3.5
Career 3 0 11.9 .333 .400 2.3 .7 .7 .3 3.3

Playoffs

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2021 Memphis 5 0 16.7 .355 .300 .600 3.2 1.0 .2 .8 6.2
2022 Memphis 10 0 17.0 .323 .250 .750 3.1 1.6 1.0 .5 5.6
2023 Philadelphia 11 0 24.9 .383 .388 .750 3.3 1.6 1.2 .8 7.9
2024 Philadelphia 1 0 7.2 .000 .000 1.0 1.0 .0 .0 .0
Career 27 0 19.8 .352 .313 .706 3.1 1.5 .9 .7 6.4

College

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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

References

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  1. ^DiGiovanni, Sam (November 1, 2022)."Tyrese Maxey vocal on 'Mr. Do Something' De'Anthony Melton after 'huge' game in Sixers win vs. Wizards".ClutchPoints.com.RetrievedDecember 25,2022.
  2. ^"De'Anthony Melton | Quick Facts".www.nba.com.RetrievedNovember 20,2023.
  3. ^"De'Anthony Melton - Men's Basketball".USC Athletics.RetrievedNovember 20,2023.
  4. ^"De'Anthony Melton leads 2015-16 Daily News All-Area Boys Basketball Team".Daily News.April 12, 2016.RetrievedNovember 20,2023.
  5. ^"De'Anthony Melton - Men's Basketball".USC Athletics.RetrievedNovember 20,2023.
  6. ^"Phoenix Suns acquire Ryan Anderson, De'Anthony Melton in trade with Houston Rockets".NBA.com.
  7. ^"De'Anthony Melton to sit out remainder of USC Basketball's 2017-18 season".January 11, 2018.
  8. ^"NCAA coaches among 10 arrested for corruption".ESPN.com.RetrievedSeptember 26,2017.
  9. ^"FBI arrests four college basketball assistants on charges of fraud".USA TODAY.RetrievedSeptember 26,2017.
  10. ^"De'Anthony Melton announces he's withdrawing from USC".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedMarch 21,2018.
  11. ^"Houston Rockets: De'Anthony Melton turns heads at Summer League".July 15, 2018.
  12. ^"Suns Acquire Ryan Anderson and De'Anthony Melton from Houston".NBA.com.August 31, 2018.RetrievedAugust 31,2018.
  13. ^"Phoenix Suns Sign De'Anthony Melton".NBA.com.
  14. ^"Sacramento Kings vs Phoenix Suns Dec 4, 2018 Game Summary".NBA.December 4, 2018.RetrievedDecember 26,2021.
  15. ^"Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Jan 12, 2019 Game Summary".NBA.January 12, 2019.RetrievedDecember 26,2021.
  16. ^"De'Anthony Melton set to play for Suns at Cleveland".February 20, 2019. Archived fromthe originalon February 21, 2019.RetrievedFebruary 21,2019.
  17. ^"Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans Mar 16, 2019 Game Summary".NBA.March 16, 2019.RetrievedDecember 26,2021.
  18. ^"2018-19 Season Rewind: De'Anthony Melton".NBA.com.
  19. ^"Grizzlies acquire Josh Jackson, De'anthony Melton and two future second round draft picks from Suns".NBA.com.July 7, 2019.RetrievedJuly 7,2019.
  20. ^"BUTLER MISSES MIAMI DEBUT, HEAT BEAT GRIZZLIES 120-101".NBA.com.RetrievedFebruary 16,2023.
  21. ^"BARNES MAKES 7 3-POINTERS IN KINGS' WIN OVER GRIZZLIES".NBA.com.RetrievedFebruary 16,2023.
  22. ^"Grizzlies re-sign De'Anthony Melton to multi-year contract".NBA.com.November 22, 2020.RetrievedNovember 22,2020.
  23. ^"JOKIC'S 47 LEADS NUGGETS OVER GRIZZLIES 139-137 IN 2 OTS".NBA.com.RetrievedFebruary 16,2023.
  24. ^"8TH-SEEDED MEMPHIS BEATS NO. 1-SEEDED JAZZ IN SERIES OPENER".NBA.com.RetrievedFebruary 16,2023.
  25. ^"MELTON, BANE LEAD MORANT-LESS GRIZZLIES PAST BUCKS, 127-102".NBA.com.RetrievedFebruary 16,2022.
  26. ^"De'Anthony Melton Acquired by 76ers in Trade with Memphis Grizzlies".NBA.com.June 24, 2022.RetrievedJune 27,2022.
  27. ^"TATUM, BROWN EACH SCORE 35, CELTICS BEAT 76ERS 126-117".NBA.com.RetrievedFebruary 16,2023.
  28. ^"De'Anthony Melton".Basketball-Reference.com.RetrievedJuly 2,2023.
  29. ^"Former 76ers Guard Dealing With Familiar Injury on Warriors".si.com.October 9, 2024.RetrievedNovember 7,2024.
  30. ^"Warriors Sign Free Agent Guard De'Anthony Melton".NBA.com.July 8, 2024.RetrievedJuly 10,2024.
  31. ^"Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton to undergo season-ending knee surgery".nba.com.RetrievedNovember 21,2024.
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