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2018 NBA Mock Draft: Way too early edition

By Chris Stone

Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; USC Trojans guard De’Anthony Melton (22) shoots as Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) guards during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; USC Trojans guard De’Anthony Melton (22) shoots as Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) guards during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
one of two freshmen to average more than 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game since at least 1992-93. The only other player to put up those numbers? Dwyane Wade at Marquette in 2001-02.

The difference between the two players, of course, is their ability to put points on the board. Wade averaged over 17 points per game his freshman season while Melton barely topped eight. It’s not clear that he’ll have many chances to improve that number this season as the Trojans return nearly everyone and add former 5-star prospect Derryck Thornton. Melton could, though, show some improvement on the offensive end by becoming a more consistent 3-point shooter. He knocked down just 28.4 percent of his attempts last season while firing up 3.0 3s per 40 minutes and shooting 70.6 percent from the foul line.

The other thing to remember about Melton is that his decision to return for a sophomore season matters less than it might with others because he was an incredibly young prospect. He just turned 19-years old and will be younger than many of the freshman in the 2018 draft class.

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De'Anthony Melton

SG, USC

USC’s De’Anthony Melton flew under the radar during his freshman season because he’s not an a high usage scorer, but he’s a name to watch in 2018 because of his versatility as a 6-foot-4 guard. Melton’s floor game, his ability to produce outside of scoring points, is elite. He is just one of two freshmen to average more than 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game since at least 1992-93. The only other player to put up those numbers? Dwyane Wade at Marquette in 2001-02.

The difference between the two players, of course, is their ability to put points on the board. Wade averaged over 17 points per game his freshman season while Melton barely topped eight. It’s not clear that he’ll have many chances to improve that number this season as the Trojans return nearly everyone and add former 5-star prospect Derryck Thornton. Melton could, though, show some improvement on the offensive end by becoming a more consistent 3-point shooter. He knocked down just 28.4 percent of his attempts last season while firing up 3.0 3s per 40 minutes and shooting 70.6 percent from the foul line.

The other thing to remember about Melton is that his decision to return for a sophomore season matters less than it might with others because he was an incredibly young prospect. He just turned 19-years old and will be younger than many of the freshman in the 2018 draft class.