De'Anthony Melton Discusses Transition to Philadelphia and Playing with Tyrese Maxey

De'anthony Melton, it's a pleasure to formally welcome you to your new city. What are your first impressions of Philadelphia?

Man, it's definitely a city, city of, you know, cities. Coming from Memphis, that is different, but you know, Philly has a lot of character. They have a lot of love here, and you know, I understand that it's a gritty town, and I love it.

In Memphis, they called you Mr. Do Something. Who is Mr. Do Something?

I think I got that name because I was out there trying to do everything. I think that's how I play, that's how I've always played. I want to go out there, defend, you know, try to put the ball in the basket at the same time, but also be able to get on the floor, make the extra pass, and you know, that's just how I've always played.

What should people know about De'anthony the person as opposed to the player?

As a person, I mean, I'm pretty quiet, but once I get to know you, I'm more outgoing. A lot of jokes, laugh a lot. I like to have fun, so whatever that consists of, you know, I'm with.

Last time you were in Philadelphia, you and your then Memphis Grizzlies teammates faced your now teammates on the Sixers on January 31st. Tyrese Maxey went head to head with one of the best in the game, Ja Morant, what do you remember about watching Tyrese that night?

Watching Tyrese was just like, man, he don't stop. Like, you know what I mean? He don't stop. He quick, he could shoot from deep, he get into the rim, finish with both hands. So I think after that night, I think that definitely stamped him. Like, he's gonna be real good.

Where was he on the scouting report and where should he have been?

You just look out, it was like, look out for him. He can get going, you know what I mean? He could shoot, but you know, just look out for him. But after that night, it was, I was like, yeah, he's a problem. Like, he's a problem.

I know that you guys have had some opportunities to run together in the last couple days. How would you describe the chemistry this early on?

It's growing, and I think it's growing pretty quick. I think we all understand what we're here to do. So I think that helps also at the same time, but you know, my job is to make life easier for other players, whatever that may be. But I think that my job is just to make life easier, and I think I wanna keep doing that and keep doing that at a high level for other people.

Which of your teammates do you think might surprise people this year?

Gotta go down the line. I'd say probably Shake. I think Shake has definitely shown growth in his game. But you know, obviously Tyrese is getting better too. I think everybody's gotten better this year. I think that's the most important thing. We're all getting better and we're all learning how to play as a team. And so we just gotta keep doing that.

Your Grizzlies team last year had a lot of fun. That was very clear from the outside. Is there anything from that experience that you can bring to this team now?

Definitely, I think just the camaraderie, like just, you know, being a team. Caring for one another, being ready to help the helper. So I think that's what I'm bringing to the table. And I think my energy, you know, on the court, offense and defense, but also off the court, you know, continue to have fun with it, enjoy it, enjoy every moment. Understand we play basketball, so just having fun.

My last question for you. What's one thing you wish that you knew when you started your NBA career?

I don't know, that's tough. I wish I knew a lot, you know what I mean? So I wish I knew a lot, but just the consistent work. Just consistently putting in work. You know, you're not gonna have the easy road, but you gotta keep working and keep getting better.

De'anthony Melton, thanks so much. We're excited to watch you this year.