Dallas Mavericks forward Nicolo Melli is leaving the NBA and signing a three-year deal with Olimpia Milano in Italy. This is not shocking considering the two sides were close to a deal earlier in the week. Melli played for both the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks during the 2020-2021 season. He averaged 3.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 47 games. Melli will likely have a bigger role in Italy, which is probably why he decided to take that deal over an NBA contract. His absence won't have much of an impact on the Mavericks roster or rotation.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Nicolo Melli will replace Deandre Ayton (ankle) in the upcoming Rising Stars Challenge. Ayton has missed each of the last two games and will miss the upcoming All-Star game activities as a precaution. Melli has been more involved in the rotation with Brandon Ingram (ankle) banged up. Melli could be a deep league streaming option if Ingram sits out again on Thursday.
New Orleans Pelicans power forward/center Nicolo Melli went off for a career-high 20 points on Monday. Melli got the start and some extra minutes with the Pelicans missing many bodies and he made the most of his time by adding three rebounds with two assists and two steals while draining two triples 37 minutes of action. Melli is worth keeping on your radar, but with Derrick Favors (hamstring) and Zion Williamson (knee) close to returning, Melli could probably be left on the waiver wire for now.
Nicolo Melli
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Mavericks
