De’Anthony Melton’s Resurgence Highlights a Missed Opportunity for the 76ers
In the NBA, timing is everything. And right now, the Philadelphia 76ers are staring at the kind of “what-if” scenario that keeps front offices up at night - the one where a former player thrives elsewhere while a glaring hole remains unaddressed on your own roster.
That player is De’Anthony Melton, and his bounce-back season with the Golden State Warriors is turning heads - especially in Philly.
Melton’s 2025-26 campaign didn’t start with much fanfare. Coming off a torn ACL that ended his previous season just a few games in, there were real questions about what he had left in the tank.
Golden State took the risk, signing him to a low-cost deal that looked more like a depth insurance policy than a rotation-changing move. But that bet is starting to pay off in a big way.
Since returning to action, Melton has carved out a key role off the bench for a Warriors team that’s dealt with its own injury issues - namely, Steph Curry missing time and Jimmy Butler being sidelined for the season. In that context, Melton’s two-way play has been a lifeline for Steve Kerr’s second unit. He’s brought defensive grit, smart decision-making, and just enough scoring punch to stabilize the bench - exactly the kind of presence the Sixers could use right now.
Instead, Philadelphia is still searching for answers in its backcourt rotation.
After trading away rookie Jared McCain, the Sixers left themselves thin behind Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Quentin Grimes, brought in to provide some relief, has struggled to find consistency.
That’s left the bench unit exposed, especially when Maxey sits. The team has tried to patch things together with unconventional rotations, but the lack of a steady hand in the second unit is becoming a real concern.
And here’s where the Melton connection stings.
The Sixers had every opportunity to bring him back last summer. Melton was a known commodity - a player who had already proven his fit alongside Maxey and Joel Embiid in previous seasons.
His market was quiet due to the injury, and the price tag was low. But instead of reuniting with a familiar, versatile guard, Philly opted to re-sign 39-year-old Kyle Lowry - more of a locker room leader than on-court contributor at this point - and brought in Eric Gordon, whose role quickly diminished before he was traded away.
Now, with the benefit of hindsight, it’s hard not to see the missed opportunity. Melton’s combination of perimeter defense, secondary playmaking, and off-ball movement is exactly what this Sixers team needs behind its stars. He’s not a flashy name, but he’s the type of glue guy that helps playoff teams survive the grind of a long season - especially when injuries hit or rotations tighten.
The Warriors are getting that version of Melton now. He’s healthy, confident, and playing with purpose in a system that values his skill set. Meanwhile, the Sixers are left with a bench that lacks identity and reliability in the backcourt.
There’s still time for Philadelphia to make a move and shore up their depth before the postseason push - but the bargain they passed on last summer is already making noise out West. And if De’Anthony Melton keeps trending upward, the Sixers may be left wondering why they didn’t pick up the phone when they had the chance.