2. Shoot 30 percent from 3-point range
Comb through the numerous scouting reports online and when it comes to the potential obstacles to De’Anthony Melton reaching his ceiling, they all revolve around one common theme: perimeter shooting.
There are other flaws in Melton’s game that need improving, of course. He’s not an elite athlete, his ball-handling is just serviceable and he struggles to create space for his own shot. However, the biggest limitation to his offense is his shooting form, particularly with his footwork and his release point.
As a freshman in college in 2016-17, Melton shot 28.4 percent on 2.1 long range attempts per game. He wasn’t much more effective in NBA Summer League, shooting 38.1 percent from the floor overall, and 3-point shooting again stood out as the sore thumb in his game.
Heading into his rookie season, Melton won’t fix his jump shot overnight. However, if he can aim for marginal improvement by making 30 percent of his 3s, that’s a realistic goal that hints he can at least be respectable from long range down the road.