Warriors newcomer Melton explains his defensive ‘mantra’ originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
New Warriors Guard De’Anthony Melton loves to defend.
Melton, who signed a one-year contract, $12.8 million in July, he spent most of his availability at Warriors Media Day sharing his joy about that end of the court and how he plans to learn and integrate with his Golden teammates State.
“That’s definitely my mentality. I love defense,” the sixth-year NBA veteran told reporters Monday. “I love playing defense. I love being robbed. I love making stops. I feel like defense wins championships too. This has always been my mantra. This is who I am.
“I’m used to Guard Steph (Curry) and other guys in recent years, top players. Playing against guys like that and playing against teams like that is always tough.
Melton is a force on the perimeter. His presence should naturally relieve Curry, who is often the target of opposing attacks.
Melton averaged 1.6 steals per game during the 2023-24 NBA season and ranked sixth with 3.1 steals per game. Tenacious defenders such as Draymond Green, Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney will probably thrive with Melton on the floor, as the quartet still has active hands and feet during shot clock durations.
“It’s going to be fun,” Melton said of integrating with his Warriors teammates. “We probably need to not play too much and stay strong with each other. It’ll be fun. It’s going to be intense, that’s what we need.
Although he is known for his defense, Melton averaged 11.1 points last season with 3.7 assists and 3.0 rebounds. He also shot a whopping 36 percent on 3-point attempts and is a competent and quick ball handler.
Melton is primed to be a two-way option in coach Steve Kerr’s evolving rotation. The veteran guard is excited to learn and contribute alongside players he has long admired from afar.
“Playing the Warriors, you know you’re going to have a track meet that day,” Melton recalled. “You better sleep well, do your stretches because you’re going to run.
Barring a subsequent trade, Melton won’t have to face Golden State outside of practice.
Instead, he’s part of Dub Nation.
“I recently hung out with Loon just playing pickup and stuff like that,” Melton added. “With Draymond, I definitely intend to pick his brain, just like that. And my locker is right next to GP, so he’ll talk to me a lot.
Melton may have signed a one-year deal, but he seems happy being a Warrior.
