De’Anthony Melton Scouting Report

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De’Anthony Melton (Ball handler, 20, 6'3", 195 lbs)

Statistical Profile

Strengths

Melton has excellent size for a lead guard in today’s NBA standing 6'3" with a 6'8" wingspan. He is physical with a great frame and takes long strides in the open floor. He is a great passer in the open court and extremely quick operating in transition. Offensively, he has good vision and handle, can run a pick-and-roll as the ball handler, and is a great skip passer to the corners. As a shooter, he excels off the catch and has a quick release. While he wasn’t a good three point shooter his freshman season, his jump shot mechanics have improved since the 2016–17 season at USC based on workout videos posted on social media.

Defensively is where Melton shines. He is a brilliant, active and high-motor defender on the ball who keeps his arms in passing lanes and is absolutely relentless at the point of attack. He never gives up on a contest and is a nightmare for opposing ball handlers. He showcased this incredible skillset causing an eight-second violation at the Combine, a feat that was possibly the first of its kind. He has quick feet, but even when he’s beat on the ball, his motor and competitiveness get him back in the play. Off the ball, Melton has a sky-high IQ as a team defender — tagging the roll man, using his instincts to interrupt passing lanes, and rotating to fit any system. He has elite instincts, awareness and anticipation that allow him to grab steals all over the court and effect shots at the rim as a help defender. He is an outstanding rebounder for his size and is generally an absolute ball hawk that exerts maximum effort defensively and on the glass.

Weaknesses

Melton has work to do on his jump shot. He is not currently a pull up threat and will get his points on drives, foul shots and catch-and-shoot opportunities. He is also not the most explosive athlete. His first step is about average lacking elite burst, and he is a poor jumper off one foot, causing trouble elevating in traffic. Furthermore, he has a loose handle and can be caught with a high dribble when he isn’t locked in offensively.

Summary

Melton is the steal of the draft and should be taken in the mid lottery. He will be able to play both guard spots in the NBA and will be an asset in a switch-heavy scheme due to his length and defensive versatility. He has elite defensive instincts, awareness and skills, and will be one of the best on-ball guard defenders in the NBA. His floor as a role player is very high due to his defensive acumen. Offensively, he’s more developed than given credit for. His shooting mechanics are not broken by any means, and he is an above-average playmaker. If his shooting develops, his upside is enormous as a menace on defense and a secondary playmaker offensively who can shoot a decent percentage. Melton is very much like Marcus Smart. He may not have a complete skillset and may never develop into an efficient high volume shooter, but he helps win basketball games with his competitiveness, instincts, IQ and intensity. It’s intangible but when one watches him play, his effect on the product on the floor is undeniable.