2018 NBA Mock Draft: Trae Young could reset the Kings backcourt

The Thunder are one team I could see prioritizing players who are ready to contribute immediately, making them an uncertain fit for Melton.

The sophomore will not play for the rest of the season, meaning he will not have the opportunity to increase his 3-point efficiency or show that he can be a primary ball-handler. But NBA scouts last season saw a productive drive-and-D player with the potential to eventually add all those skills.

He is big enough to compete immediately in the NBA, though, and has a good feel for the game. Melton sees passes that defenders do not expect, and his pass-first style makes his athleticism and toughness more valuable.

Oklahoma City will need cheap, productive young players like Melton if they retain Paul George and/or Carmelo Anthony and lock in this core. It will be paying four players near-max money. Melton would have a chance right away with the Thunder after an entire year away from basketball.