Memphis Grizzlies: 3 unsung heroes so far in the 2020-21 season

Memphis Grizzlies unsung hero No. 2: De’Anthony Melton

The Grizzlies have turned out to be a great fit for De’Anthony Melton as a player. After a year on the Phoenix Suns, Melton seemed to plateau as a player. He struggled to find playing time near the end of his rookie season and wasn’t developing nearly as much as expected as a player.

A trade that also sent Josh Jackson to the Grizz would bring Melton to Memphis. On a young roster, he immediately fit in on a rebuilding team.

In his second year on the Grizzlies, his numbers have increased in almost any statistical category you could think of. Points, assists, steals, 3-point percentage, etc. You name it, he has probably improved his numbers. But that’s not the best part.

The greatest part of Melton’s success in 2021 is that he’s doing all of this stuff while cutting down on turnovers with minimally reduced minutes. In 2019-20, he played 19.5 minutes per game. In 2020-21, he is playing 20.0 minutes per contest.

The Grizz preach efficiency and this man has been as efficient as they come. He leads the team in steals and shoots lights out from long range at 44% this year. If not for great performances from Grayson Allen, Melton would likely be a huge contributor to this team.

His strong play is part of the reasons why the Grizzlies have been overachieving all year long.