2018 NBA Mock Draft: A way-too-early look ahead

Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American West forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) poses with the trophy after winning the John Wooden Award as the most valuable player for the 40th Annual McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; USC Trojans guard De’Anthony Melton (22) guards Baylor Bears guard Manu Lecomte (20) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

Don’t confuse De’Anthony Melton being an average scoring threat with him being an average player. He did a bit of everything for the USC Trojans as a freshman, and projects to be one of the best defensive players in this draft class.

With elite size for a point guard at 6’4″ with a 6’8″ wingspan, Melton is a consistent jump shot away from solidifying his place as a lottery pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Melton finished his freshman season with averages of 12.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks per 40 minutes. An elite rebounder and defensive playmaker, Melton has the tools to become an All-Defensive Team mainstay in the NBA.

Melton has also displayed the instincts of a productive drive-and-dish facilitator, which bodes well for him in an era overrun by wings and power forwards who can space the floor.

Melton’s ability to drive the lane and finish at the rim will attract general managers, but he still needs a solid outside shot. Converting at a clip of 51.0 percent on 2-point field goals is appealing, but shooting 28.4 percent on 3-point field goals is concerning.

Fortunately, Melton made 21 total 3-point field goals and attempted 4.5 free throws per 40 minutes—signs that the foundation exists for improvement.