2018 NBA Mock Draft: If need were all that mattered

Boy, would Portland love to have a player like Melton fall into their lap. They certainly will have a chance to grab a combo guard like him even at No. 24, with an abundance of those players available this year, but Melton especially fits well as the third guard in a rotation already featuring Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

From Lonnie Walker to Jacob Evans to Landry Shamet, there are guys up and down the teens, 20s and 30s who fit well with the Blazers. It might seem at first glance like they should be prioritizing wing depth, but one strategy they could employ to take advantage of a deep guard draft is to consider playing a defensive guard alongside Lillard and McCollum, something the team tried at times even with Shabazz Napier in that third spot. Clearly, Melton would be an upgrade defensively.

The former USC standout has a perfect frame to defend bigger players in the NBA, with a wide chest and long arms. He should be able to play physically and frustrate opposing scorers. The Trail Blazers also benefit from having Lillard’s length at their disposal, an attribute which makes playing small slightly easier as well. Lillard can defend bigger players. Three-guard options may not be Portland’s go-to right away, but it’s obvious this team needs to be more flexible, and this is one avenue that they haven’t been able to explore, restricted by personnel.

ESPN has been on Melton Watch over the last two months or so, documenting the 20-year-old’s improved shooting form and excellent all-around showing at the combine. After missing an entire season as a result of the FBI’s investigation into USC basketball, it’s impressive to see how much Melton has improved. He will be a good player.