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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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TULSA, OK – MARCH 17: (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
TULSA, OK – MARCH 17: (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). /

Fit with the Bucks

At first glance, the Bucks potentially selecting Melton at 17 might underwhelm those who hold a cursory knowledge level of the draft and prospects in general.

While he has generally been slotted within range of where Milwaukee sits in the draft order in mock drafts, picking up a combo guard who has yet to show that he’s able to knock down treys at an average to capable level isn’t the best course of action when structuring a team built around a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo.

And as covered in previous profiles on guard prospects over the last few weeks, guard isn’t necessarily a position of need for the Bucks at this moment of time, thought that could change if something were to bubble up from out of the blue.

With that said, Melton still stands as a player to keep in mind in the lead up to the draft for the level of intangibles and defensive qualities he brings to the floor at this point in his development.

Coming off the heels of newly minted Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer talking about unlocking the Bucks’ defensive potential throughout his introductory press conference Monday afternoon, adding a player of Melton’s sound and versatile capabilities would increase the team’s aptitude and floor on that end of the court, should he carve out a role instantly.

Of course, it’s a pick that you’d have to put plenty of trust in your development staff to help iron out Melton’s offensive stylings and his shooting mechanics further than where they seemingly stand now, something past Budenholzer-led teams have been able to churn out.

Next: NBA Draft 2018 Prospect Watch: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

At any rate, some team is going to get a player in Melton come June 21. The question regarding if that team will be the Bucks is whether they’re comfortable taking a solid-to-high floor-level prospect like Melton or are setting their sights for a player that possesses a bit more upside that could unlock their core further than currently constructed.

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