Warriors newcomer Melton explains his defensive ‘mantra’ initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Bay Space
New Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton likes to defend.
Melton, who signed a one-year, $12.8 million contract in July, spent the vast majority of his availability at Warriors Media Day sharing his pleasure about that finish of the ground and the way he intends to study and slot in along with his Golden State teammates.
“That is positively my mentality. I really like protection,” the sixth-year NBA veteran instructed reporters Monday. “I really like taking part in protection. I really like getting steals. I really like getting stops. I really feel like protection wins championships too. It is all the time been my mantra. That is who I’m.
“I often guard Steph [Curry] and different guys lately, high gamers. Enjoying in opposition to guys like that and taking part in in opposition to groups like that’s powerful all the time.”
Melton is a pressure on the perimeter. His presence naturally ought to relieve some pressure off of Curry, who typically is focused by opposing offenses.
Melton averaged 1.6 steals per recreation in the course of the 2023-24 NBA season and ranked sixth with 3.1 deflections per recreation. Tenacious defenders comparable to Draymond Inexperienced, Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney doubtless will thrive with Melton on the ground, because the quartet all the time have energetic palms and toes for durations of shot clocks.
“It’ll be enjoyable,” Melton mentioned about becoming in along with his Warriors teammates. “We have simply bought to most likely not gamble as a lot and keep stable with one another. It’ll be enjoyable. It’ll be intense, it is what we’d like.”
Whereas he’s recognized for protection, Melton averaged a career-high 11.1 factors final season with 3.7 assists and three.0 rebounds. He additionally shot a good 36 p.c on 3-point makes an attempt and is a succesful, fast ball-handler.
Melton is able to be a two-way possibility in coach Steve Kerr’s evolving rotation. The veteran guard is happy to study and contribute alongside gamers he lengthy has admired from afar.
“Enjoying in opposition to the Warriors, you already know you are going to have a observe meet that day,” Melton recalled. “You’d higher get some good sleep, get your stretches in since you’ll be operating.
Barring a later transaction, Melton received’t must face Golden State exterior of apply.
As an alternative, he’s a part of Dub Nation.
“I bought to spend a while with Loon not too long ago simply taking part in pickup and stuff like that,” Melton added. “With Draymond, I am positively planning on choosing his mind, the whole lot like that. And my locker is true subsequent to GP, so he’ll discuss quite a bit to me.”
Melton may need signed a one-year deal, however he seems happy to be a Warrior.
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