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NBA Draft 2018 Prospect Watch: De’Anthony Melton

By Jordan Treske

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, De'Anthony Melton poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, De'Anthony Melton poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 26: (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 26: (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) /

Strengths

The first thing that jumps off the virtual page when watching Melton is his defensive doggedness and versatility.

Simply put, Melton is an absolute ball hawk, whether on or off the ball, and tallied 1.9 steals during his freshman campaign a year ago. With his great size (6’3″) and rangy length (6’8.5″), Melton is able to check both guard spots and cover opposing players on the wing too for stretches.

Melton’s defensive repertoire extends beyond his perimeter defense as he’s capable of tracking back and swatting shots on unsuspecting players around the rim, considering he averaged a block per game during his lone season at USC.

Offensively, Melton is at his best in the open floor at this point. Between his ability to connect with cutting teammates to the hoop and fluidly dart his way to the rim for high quality looks, Melton is an incisive decision maker in transition.

The 19-year-old’s deferential nature also applies to operating in the pick and roll, though he has yet to build on being a scoring threat in those types of situations.

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