2018 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 12: Luka Doncic, #7 guard of Real Madrid during the Liga Endesa game between Real Madrid and FCB Lassa at Wizink Center on November 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Sonia Canada/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 12: Luka Doncic, #7 guard of Real Madrid during the Liga Endesa game between Real Madrid and FCB Lassa at Wizink Center on November 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Sonia Canada/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 25: De’Anthony Melton #22 of the USC Trojans handles the ball against the UCLA Bruins during a NCAA Pac12 conference college basketball game at Galen Center on January 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 25: De’Anthony Melton #22 of the USC Trojans handles the ball against the UCLA Bruins during a NCAA Pac12 conference college basketball game at Galen Center on January 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)

The Blazers lack a certain degree of depth behind Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, so adding someone like Melton — who can function well at both guard spots — makes sense.

Like a lot of prospects, Melton’s physical tools provide the basis for his appeal. He’s 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, allowing him to defend either guard spot. He’s also an impressive competitor on that end, getting into passing lanes and using that length to force ball handlers off kilter.

Offensively, Melton is best as a secondary creator, but has the potential to be more. He has nice vision in the pick-and-roll and handles himself well in transition, but lacks the advanced ball handling needed to play point guard full-time. That’s something he could improve upon with more practice..