[Olinger] “[De’Anthony] was our backup combo point guard for a while. But we kinda got Cam [Payne] there. He was our 2 guard shooter, but now Buddy [Hield] is there too, so [he’ll play] wherever he can slot in.” Nick Nurse on De’Anthony Melton and his role on the new-look Sixers:
by DanM142
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>“They got guys who are shot makers. We don’t feel like we defended to the level we’re capable of that night. When you give Buddy, Maxey, Oubre opportunities to make shots in a right game, they have the skillset to go off.”
>**Bickerstaff** on the Cavs’ most recent loss to the Sixers:
He will be our backup 2. Offense won’t survive a playoff setting without Hield spacing the floor for 30mpg
He just became a less swaggy Pat Bev.
I’m honestly shocked we got past this trade deadline, acquired who we did and were able to keep melt. I love that dude, and part of that is knowing how much Maxey loves him. It would have broken my heart to see Morey trade Maxeys best friend away.
Now we have the problem of figuring out what to do with him, but having guard depth right now is a good problem to have.
he’s miles above cam pyne tbh
I can see Melton playing more 3 at this point, especially with the addition of Lowry and Hield. You just have to find a way to get him minutes….he’s not a world beater, but he’s still very good and impactful.
I think this could suit Melton better actually… he is a smart and effective player, but struggles to keep up his production when given a bigger role. I like him way better alongside Maxey, Payne, or Lowry compared to PatBev or running the offense himself.
Just so happy he’s back in whatever capacity 🥰
Melton (when healthy) is better than Payne. We needed guard depth and we got it, but that doesn’t mean all these guys should see the floor in the playoffs. For me, Melton provides a more valuable skill set than Payne.
I’d like to see lineups of Maxey, Melton, Hield together with Embiid. That would be ideal spacing and shooting. Melton is certainly better than Payne as a defender/scorer but Payne might be better suited to run the second team’s offense.
He’s now in his correct role: an undersized wing who’s a valuable but limited bench piece. That’s good for everyone involved from an on-court perspective.
Nurse literally just told us that he’s a competent combo guard.
Always seemed to thrive best as the PG off the bench though…so therefore when Embiid comes back full strength I can guarantee you Payne is headed for the bench.
Payne simply isn’t as good as Melton
I can see him on the floor with Lowry in Maxeys attacking role.
I can also see Lowry on the floor with Maxey and or Hield (at the 3)
It’s good that Deanthony can fit into more of a specialist role and can come in whenever we need someone to smoke a transition layup.
Our backcourt depth is suddenly Gucci!
I remember when guard depth was a dream and we had 3 top pick centers 😂😂😂😂