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The Philadelphia 76ers didn’t make a single pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but they still had a productive night thanks to their trade to acquire former Memphis Grizzlies guard De’Anthony Melton. The 24-year-old should step in as an immediate bench contributor and become a fan favorite in Philly in no time.

Here’s everything you need to know about Melton and how he fits in with this Sixers roster.

76ers trade for De’Anthony Melton

De'Anthony Melton looks on during a game.
De’Anthony Melton of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans | Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Most 76ers fans were excited to see what president of basketball operations Daryl Morey had in store for the 2022 NBA Draft. Philadelphia entered the night with the 23rd overall pick, which is right around where the Sixers landed Tyrese Maxey just a few years ago.

But Morey didn’t end up making a selection at 23. Instead, he traded the 76ers’ only draft pick and Danny Green to the Grizzlies for Melton. Philly decided not to trade back into the draft, so Melton turned out to be the only addition of the night.

It’s not exactly a sexy pickup, but it’s just what the Sixers needed heading into a crucial 2022-23 season.

What will De’Anthony Melton bring to the Sixers?

Melton may not be a household name in the NBA, but Sixers fans are going to love this guy.

Firstly, Melton brings a much-needed shooting threat to a bench that greatly needed one. The guard shot 37.4% from three last season and 41.2% the season before that. He thrives in catch-and-shoot situations, but he’s capable of creating his own shot and blowing past defenders in isolation. When he does get to the rim, he has plenty of athleticism to rise up over rim-protectors and finish in traffic. Get ready for some highlight dunks next year, Sixers fans.

Even more importantly, Melton will provide a steady defensive presence that Philly’s bench has lacked outside of Matisse Thybulle. He’s not on Thybulle’s level as a disruptor, but Melton averaged 1.4 steals last year in just 22.7 minutes per game. He’s certainly not the defensive target Furkan Korkmaz and Georges Niang have become, and he has a more polished offensive game than both players.

At just $8 million per year for the next two seasons, Melton is also a cheap addition the Sixers didn’t have to give up much to get. Morey deserves an A+ for landing a young, proven bench contributor the 76ers needed to add this offseason.

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Jack Dougherty

Writing professionally since 2015, Jack Dougherty spent six years as a sportswriter with publications such as GoPSUSports.com, the Centre Daily Times, and the Associated Press before joining Sportscasting in 2020. He covers the NBA, the NFL, and the world of golf extensively and has added expertise on any team located in or around his hometown of Philadelphia. Yes, that includes the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia 76ers, and Philadelphia Phillies.

When Jack isn’t writing about sports, he’s watching them or playing them as he regularly heads to the gym for some pickup basketball or the golf course to hit the links. He’s also an avid participant in the sports betting scene who worked at a casino sportsbook for a year and learned the ins and outs of the industry before bringing his expertise to Sportscasting with one excellent gambling recommendation after another.