De'Anthony Melton's honest stance on re-signing with 76ers in free agency

03/05/2024 21:56

PHILADELPHIA — De’Anthony Melton was one of the Philadelphia 76ers’ marquee additions in the 2022 offseason. He exemplified their stated commitment to players who could provide consistent value on both ends of the floor, immediately becoming the sixth man and spot starter with his versatile blend of a 3-and-D skillset. But injuries to his back derailed his second season with the Sixers and calls into question his future with the team.

Melton missed almost the entirety of the second half of the 2023-24 season due to a nagging back issue. He saw just seven minutes of playoff action this season after working through several flare-ups that ended his returns to the court. In the 38 regular-season games he played, he averaged a career-best 11.1 points per game along with 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals.

"I got a better gaugeonwhat I need to work onandunderstandingwhat I gottado justto make it through a full season," Melton said, adding that strengthening his glutes, hamstrings and core will help him take the stress off his back. Surgery was discussed, he said, but it’s not something he needs right now.

Melton, who said he only had "a short year" because of his injury problems, is hitting unrestricted free agency along with nine other 76ers teammates. His experience in Philly, he said, has felt like having four teams in that two-year window. It's easy to see why for one of just five players who started 2022-23 and ended 2023-24 in Philly (along with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris and Paul Reed).

Despite all the moving parts, Melton enjoyed the teammates he played alongside and has consistently voiced a belief that the team is one of the best in the NBA.

"I mean, for sure," he said to the idea of re-signing with Philly. "I would loveto. But, you know,it’snot up to me andIunderstandthat. Itis what it is andIunderstandthatit’s a business."

Melton has carved out a nice place with the 76ers, becoming close friends quickly with Maxey, earning the respect of teammates and coaches and hosting an annual chess tournament for local students. The 25-year-old said that he loves the city and the passionate fans. For a player looking to remain on a competitive team for the rest of his prime, Philly suits him nicely — especially given how much he believes in the team.

"I do feel like it’s unfinished business," he said, "and I do feel like with the core that we do have, it’s one of the better ones with just everything that it brings to the table."

De'Anthony Melton on the Sixers having unfinished business/how that factors into his desire to return: pic.twitter.com/zbnWyBA1ur

— Sam DiGiovanni (@BySamDiGiovanni) May 3, 2024

The unfinished business is more than just helping the 76ers go on a deep playoff run. It’s for him simply getting back on the court and contributing. While he may not have been enough to flip the outcome of Philly’s loss to the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs, he missed out on the chance to play in the playoffs. He admitted that it hurt to have to watch from the sideline. Although he was active for the back half of the series, not being a consistent rotation player for months made it hard to turn back to him.

The 76ers have a lot of cap space but also have to make some serious upgrades to their roster. They used a first-round pick to acquire Melton, adding to the motivation to keep him around for more than just two seasons (really one and a half because of his injuries). The feelings appear to be mutual, though it remains to be seen if the two sides will be able to come to an agreement in what should be a very busy offseason.

The post De’Anthony Melton’s honest stance on re-signing with 76ers in free agency appeared first on ClutchPoints.