There is a risk that veteran Patrick Beverley will not return to the Milwaukee Bucks next season. If he doesn’t, the front office could consider De’Anthony Melton of the Philadelphia 76ers as a potential replacement.
During Melton’s senior year with the USC Trojans, several people were involved in college basketball accused of fraud and corruption due to allegations of receiving financial benefits to retain the services of certain student-athletes. The current Sixers guard was suspended by his university after a relative was involved in the scandal.
Despite this controversy, Melton still entered the 2018 NBA Draft and was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 46th pick. A few months later, the forward was traded to the Phoenix Suns and spent his debut campaign there. In 50 games he played at Valley, including 31 as a point guard, the former USC star averaged 5.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 steals per contest.
Now in his sixth year in the league, Melton has established himself as a capable two-way defender who can both facilitate offense and defend well on the other end of the pitch. In 38 games played this season in Philadelphia, averaging 11.1 points on 36% shooting from downtown, 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game.
De’Anthony Melton is a potential successor to Patrick Beverley in the Milwaukee Bucks
As of now, controversial goaltender Patrick Beverley’s contract with the Bucks has just expired. If he decides to sign with another team, Milwaukee’s front office could fill that void by acquiring Melton in free agency. Dalton Sell explained why this is a solid move in an article for Behind the Buck Pass.
“Melton is an incredible defender at the defensive end. Although he is 6-foot-2, he boasts a gigantic wingspan of 6-foot-8, which he uses to attack his opponents. In addition to his excellent defense, he is also a robust offensive player, posting career averages of 9.1 points and 2.8 assists, and shooting 36.9% from distance. A two-way defender like that could do wonders for this team.
Melton’s versatility would be very useful for Milwaukee. He could primarily serve as a backup to Damian Lillard, leading the charge off the bench. However, he can also be used next to Lillard, providing excellent perimeter defense and taking the pressure off the superstar point guard on a nightly basis, allowing him to focus more on his offensive game. Sell wrote.
Like Beverley before him, Melton’s contract with the Sixers expires after this season. This makes him an ideal replacement for the controversial defenseman and a capable backup or backcourt partner for All-Star Damian Lillard.
Most teams will need a defenseman with Melton’s skills this offseason. If the Bucks get him first, they’ll get someone who can contribute from the get-go next season.
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