Memphis Grizzlies will have a tough time replacing De’Anthony Melton in 2022-23
In his three-year tenure as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, De’Anthony Melton became an undeniable fan favorite.
His electric style of play off the bench earned him the nickname “Mr. Do Something,” and for good reason. He led the team in steals, averaging 1.4 per game, which was also tied for ninth most in the NBA.
Melton shot a solid 37.4% from beyond the arc, good enough for the fourth-best three-point percentage on the roster. His athleticism and nose for the ball made him a solid rebounder at the guard position as well, as he averaged 4.5 a night, despite standing just 6’2.” The energy that he brought on the court every time he touched it, mixed with his all-around game, gave a spark that played a huge part in the Memphis Grizzlies winning 56 games last season.
At 23 years of age, with two years remaining on his contract, some thought Melton would remain in Memphis for years to come. The front office had other plans though, as on draft night he was shipped to Philadelphia for Danny Green and the No. 23 pick, which the Grizzlies used to select David Roddy out of Colorado State.
Although he saw his minutes slightly drop in the playoffs, his 22.7 minutes a game in the regular season tallied in at sixth-most among the team, trailing only the regular starting five of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Steven Adams. His production was undeniable, and any advanced stat one would prefer does nothing but support that.
The question is: Who will step up to fill the massive void left by De’Anthony Melton during the upcoming 2022-23 season?