He never had to. Now he actually might put a shift in.
also, two things....there is a such thing as TEAM DEFENSE. Melo hasnt been too bad when his team was good. Also, Melo isnt a defensive liability unless he is guarding KD or Bron, or someone like that. you are only considered a liability if your opponents output is greater than yours. if Melo is at the 3 the only dudes fukkin with him is LBJ, KD, Kawhi, and Giannis. If he is at the 4, then its really only AD.

so to put is short, this year Melo will be top 5 at one of those positions. PG13 will be top 5 SF or SG easy.