76ers Veteran Climbing Leaderboard of Major Defensive Category

The Philadelphia 76ers have a few talented defensive-minded players who have been climbing the leaderboard in notable defensive categories this season.

A couple of weeks ago, 76ers veteran Robert Covington acknowledged his success in the deflections department this season. Meanwhile, 76ers guard De’Anthony Melton has been thriving in the steals department.

Following a Sixers win against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, De’Anthony Melton wrapped up his 29th outing of the season. In his 36-minute shift against the Magic, Melton snatched a game-high two steals.

With those steals, Melton increased his total on the season to 48. He climbs the NBA’s leaderboard, taking sole possession of third place in that category.

The only two players ahead of Melton are former Sixers wing Matisse Thybulle, who now plays for the Portland Trail Blazers, and Oklahoma City Thunder standout Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Thybulle ranks ahead of Melton with one more steal on the season so far.

Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander is the runaway steals leader, with 77 on the year. 

During Melton’s first run with the Sixers last season, he appeared in 77 games, with over 2,000 minutes on the floor. He totaled 126 steals, which was good for the second-most in the league, trailing Toronto Raptors wing OG Anunoby. 

Currently, Melton is projected to top his steals total in year two with the 76ers. If he remains on the right track, he could place among the top players in the major defensive category once again, which is key for the veteran during a contract season.