Celtics Select Fab Melo of Syracuse

He's a seven footer that isn't a great rebounder but ...did I mention that he's a seven footer?

The knocks on him are pretty clear. (via Behind the Basket)

He's a huge shot blocker with great size (7-feet-0, 255 lbs). Melo can make the few shots he takes (57% FG). Concerns: terrible rebounder, extremely raw non-factor on offensive sets, conditioning/legal/academic/attitude issues, very low hoops IQ, gets in foul trouble

All in all, I'm not much of a fan of this pick but I'm going to try to be optimistic. So here's the better news from Draft Express:

Melo's ability to be active and physical has helped him on the glass as well. Though Syracuse still struggles on the defensive boards as a unit at times, Melo remains a capable area rebounder and has become a more significant factor on the offensive glass thanks to his improved motor. Lacking a natural feel for the game and usually being more focused on taking charges or chasing blocked shots in Syracuse's zone, Melo is not a very prolific defensive rebounder, though he does have soft hands and is improving his fundamentals. It will be interesting to see how much he can improve on this skill once outside of Syracuse's zone, as he simply isn't always in position to make a play here.

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