Veteran Value?
- Robert Smothers III
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
CLUTCHPOINTS ANALYSIS & ESPN REACTION
Published: July 31st, 2025
Headline: Hornets Sign De’Anthony Melton – Stealth Rebuild or Smart Veteran Depth?
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The Deal:
Charlotte Hornets sign De’Anthony Melton to a 3-year, $9 million contract
At $3 million per year, this may be one of the most underrated free-agent deals of the offseason — and NBA insiders are split on what it means for Charlotte’s wild roster rebuild.
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What’s the Angle?
After trading away LaMelo Ball, Nick Smith Jr., Miles Bridges, and more, the Hornets seemed locked in on a pure youth movement. But this De’Anthony Melton deal signals something more strategic:
Locker Room Leader: Melton is a consummate professional with playoff experience in Memphis and Philly. He can mentor younger guards like Scottie Pippen Jr., Bryce McGowens, and Ziaire Williams.
Defensive Identity: At 6’2” with a 6’8” wingspan, Melton is one of the most disruptive perimeter defenders in the league. He gives Charlotte on-ball resistance they sorely lacked last season.
Versatility/Insurance: Melton can run point, play off-ball, defend 1-3 — and provide rotational insurance in a roster full of question marks.
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ClutchPoints Reaction: “Value Over Flash”
“It’s a classic ‘Peterson Play’ — low-cost, high-IQ, team-first guy. He won’t headline any highlight reels, but he’ll win them a few gameswith pure grit,”
— Derrick Morgan, ClutchPoints analyst.
“Look at OKC or Orlando. Every rebuild needs a couple of glue guys. Melton is that dude.”
— Jason Corbin, ClutchPoints contributor.
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ESPN Panel Reaction
🎙️Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective:
“This isn’t a ‘win-now’ signing. It’s a stabilizer signing. Think back to when Detroit added Cory Joseph during Cade Cunningham’s rookie year. That’s Melton here.”
🎙️Kendrick Perkins:
“The kid plays defense like it’s 1995. That’s what this young Hornets team needs. Somebody to talk, to clap, to set the tone.”
🎙️Zach Lowe:
“Sneaky move. Smart teams find ways to develop talent without just throwing them to the wolves. Melton gives them a professional floor. He’s not here to take over — he’s here to teach.”
📊 The Fit:
Role | Grade | Comment |
On-ball defense | A+ | One of the best point-of-attack defenders |
Off-ball shooting | B | Streaky, but passable from 3 (career 36%) |
Playmaking | C+ | Secondary creator, not a primary ballhandler |
Leadership/Experience | A | Two playoff runs with Memphis & Philly |
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Final Thought
The Hornets’ front office may be building for 2027, but Melton is here for today. He won’t sell jerseys, but he might help build winning habits that matter when those first-round picks finally start to cash in.
This isn’t a rebuild anymore. It’s a restructure.
📲 Follow @ClutchPointsNBA and @AlmondohKnows for more Hornets offseason updates.
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