Los Angeles Clippers 2018 NBA Draft profile: De’Anthony Melton
By Jason Reed
With the 12th or the 13th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers could go local with USC’s De’Anthony Melton.
The Los Angeles Clippers, owners of two late lottery picks in the 2018 NBA Draft, are going to need to establish an identity this offseason. With several player options and no long-term insurance anywhere on the roster, the 2018 NBA Draft is going to play a huge role in the Clippers’ future.
If done correctly, the Clippers can jump-start a rebuild and be contenders much sooner than anyone anticipated. The Utah Jazz did it last year by drafting Donovan Mitchell with the 13th overall pick, which the Clippers own this year.
And while it is unfair to hold LA to this standard as Donovan Mitchell is truly special, Mitchell at least provides a sense of hope for the Clippers.
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Thus, the Clippers should be looking for dynamic difference makers. This may involve taking a risk, but with consecutive picks, taking a risk is an easier thing to do.
If the Clippers were to take a risky selection with a high ceiling, USC point guard De’Anthony Melton is their guy.
Melton sat out his entire sophomore season due to an FBI investigation regarding the NCAA pay-to-play controversy. In his freshman season, Melton averaged 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
Although the stat sheet does not jump out, the USC Trojans were ranked in the top-10 before the season solely due to Melton. Without him, the Trojans missed out on the NCAA Tournament (although they should have made it).
Melton is one of the best two-way players in the draft and may be the best defensive point guard in the draft entirely. Although he is just six-foot-two, his lengthy frame allows him to defend larger guards and is fairly proficient at stealing the basketball.
Because of his frame and athleticism, he is also a good rebounder for the point guard position. Melton can get up and down the court with ease, proving to be one of the fastest guards in the draft.
Scoring wise, Melton is a good playmaker that can create separation himself as well as find his teammates in open lanes. His jump shot is up to standard in terms of speed and he showed comfort in scoring all around the court as well as on a move and off a dribble.
Melton was streaky at times with USC and was turnover prone, however, that likely stemmed from him being the primary scoring option as well as the heart and soul of the offense. In his rookie year, surrounded by Tobias Harris and company, Melton will not face the same pressures.
And of course, there are concerns whether or not taking a year off will negatively effect Melton. Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report still ranked Melton as the 14th-best prospect on his big board after he had a stellar combine.
He is still showing the same great athleticism, speed and according to Wasserman, displayed proficiency at handling the ball and a promising jumper.
Next: Clippers draft profile: Lonnie Walker
De’Anthony Melton has the potential to be the best all-around guard in this draft class. While he may not be the best scorer or passer, he is proficient in all areas. Thus making him a very interesting candidate for the Los Angeles Clippers.