De’Anthony Melton Bio
De’Anthony Melton (born May 28, 1998) is an American professional basketball player currently signed with the Golden State Warriors of the NBA. Known for his defensive prowess and high steal rate, Melton has played for multiple NBA teams since being drafted in 2018 by the Houston Rockets. He played college basketball at the University of Southern California before entering the NBA.
Early Life and Background
De’Anthony Melton was born in North Hollywood, California. He attended Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, California, where he led his basketball team to back-to-back state titles and became the school’s all-time leading scorer. As a senior, Melton averaged 20 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.5 steals per game, earning several honors including MaxPreps All-State first team and Daily News Player of the Year.
Melton committed to the University of Southern California (USC) for college basketball, where he played for the USC Trojans in the Pac-12 Conference. His early exposure to competitive basketball and success at the high school level set the foundation for his professional career.
Path to Basketball
At USC, Melton made an immediate impact as a freshman, starting 25 games and averaging 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. He became the first freshman since Dwyane Wade to record at least 300 points, 150 rebounds, 100 assists, 60 steals, and 35 blocks in a season. His defensive skills earned him a spot on the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team in 2017.
Melton’s sophomore season was cut short due to his suspension related to the 2017–18 NCAA basketball corruption scandal. He subsequently declared for the 2018 NBA draft, foregoing the remainder of his college eligibility.
De’Anthony Melton Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Melton was selected 46th overall in the second round of the 2018 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets. Before the start of his rookie season, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. Melton made his professional debut with the Suns in October 2018 and also spent time with their G League affiliate, the Northern Arizona Suns.
During his rookie season, Melton quickly established himself as a strong defensive player, ranking second among rookies in steals per game with 1.36. He demonstrated his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories, including points, assists, and rebounds.
Memphis Grizzlies Breakthrough (2019–2022)
In July 2019, Melton was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he spent three seasons. He became a key contributor for the team, recording season-high scoring performances and playing a significant role in the Grizzlies’ return to the playoffs. Melton re-signed with Memphis in 2020 on a four-year contract.
During the 2020-21 season, Melton posted career highs in points and steals, helping the Grizzlies reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017. He made his playoff debut in May 2021 and continued to be a valuable defensive presence for Memphis through the 2021-22 season.
Philadelphia 76ers Era (2022–2024)
Melton was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in June 2022. In his first season with the 76ers, he averaged 10.1 points and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 39% from three-point range. Despite a back injury limiting him to 38 games in the 2023-24 season, Melton achieved career-high averages in free-throw percentage and points per game.
Golden State Warriors Era (2024–Present)
In July 2024, Melton signed with the Golden State Warriors. He appeared in six games before requiring season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn ACL. Subsequently, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets but did not play for them due to his injury. In October 2025, Melton re-signed with the Warriors.
Playing Style and Strengths
De’Anthony Melton is recognized for his defensive skills, particularly his ability to generate steals and disrupt opposing offenses. His versatility allows him to play both shooting guard and point guard positions. Melton’s energy and defensive instincts make him a valuable asset on the perimeter, complemented by his improving offensive contributions.
Notable Events and Milestones
Melton’s rookie season steal rate was among the highest in NBA history for rookies, ranking second in steals per game in 2018-19. He was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team in college and has been a consistent defensive presence throughout his NBA career. His playoff debut with Memphis marked a significant milestone in his professional journey.
De’Anthony Melton Career Wins
NBA Highlights
Throughout his NBA career, Melton has contributed to multiple team successes, including playoff appearances with the Memphis Grizzlies. While individual wins are team-based in basketball, Melton’s defensive impact and versatility have been key factors in his teams’ competitive performances.
Other Performances
Melton’s early career included development time with the Northern Arizona Suns and Memphis Hustle in the NBA G League, where he honed his skills and gained valuable playing experience.
De’Anthony Melton Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Details about Melton’s family background and personal life remain private. There is no publicly verified information regarding his parents, spouse, or children.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, De’Anthony Melton is focused on recovery and return to play following ACL surgery sustained during the 2024-25 season. Having re-signed with the Golden State Warriors, Melton aims to regain full health and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming seasons. His contract through 2025 reflects the Warriors’ confidence in his abilities and potential impact once fully recovered.