2018 NBA Mock Draft: Where do Doncic, Ayton and Bagley land?

As I mention in the section about the Suns’ top pick, the team is in desperate need of versatility and ball-handling to help them fulfill their potential as a fast, devastating offense. Melton is a solid partner for Devin Booker to help Phoenix get there.

Looking at Krishna Narsu’s defensive matchup data, we see that Devin Booker miraculously led the Suns in the percentage of possessions where he guarded the team’s Offensive Real Plus-Minus leader. He was followed by Tyler Ulis, a massive indication of the team’s lack of defensive talent. The amount of effort Booker used getting open on offense wore on him late in the year, and the added offensive responsibility may have partially led to his wrist injury in March. Drafting someone like Melton, who could protect Booker defensively alongside Josh Jackson by guarding the better backcourt scorer on the opposing team.

This would have the domino effect of freeing Booker up to focus more on offense, and replacing his role on defense with a player of Melton’s caliber should provide great value for the Suns.

The big question, as I mention each week, will be whether Melton’s jump shot develops. Otherwise, he may be too much of a liability for consistent playing time as the Suns try to be more competitive next season.