The New York Knicks are in great need of a backup point guard and they get a quality one who can wear multiple hats in a recent free agency screening.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz listed Philadelphia 76ers combo guard De’Anthony Melton as the Knicks’ offseason target among players up for grabs ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, saying this in part (h/t All’s Jeremy Brener Knicks by Fan Nation):
“De’Anthony Melton fits this new mold as a tough defensive guard/wing who rarely turns the ball over. The 26-year-old averaged 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting 36.0 percent from three with the Philadelphia 76ers, but the Sixers may not re-sign him if they will land a star this offseason,” Swartz wrote.
Melton is a role player who elevates any team he makes, whether in the starting lineup or off the bench. Beyond Swartz’s numbers from a year ago, the California native is adept at controlling and paceing the game.
From the eye test, Melton’s natural sensitivity allows him to give his all in setting up the attack, leading on the counterattack as a threat from the spot from outside or moving without the ball in midfield.