Rockets: 3 things we learned about De’Anthony Melton in the Summer League

By Michael Knight

Jul 16, 2018

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Vincent Edwards #6 of the Houston Rockets helps De'Anthony Melton #0 of the Houston Rockets from the floor during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 9: De’Anthony Melton #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the LA Clippers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Yes, he can actually shoot

The biggest question mark with De’Anthony Melton was definitely his shooting. In college, he was not good from downtown at all, something that the Rockets value on the team.

In his one year at USC, he shot just 28% from 3 despite taking around 2 of them per game. He has the fearlessness to shoot, the shots just wouldn’t fall for him in college.

Melton’s year off, though, may have done wonders for him in that aspect of his game. He worked hard on improving his 3-point shot last year and it certainly has shown so far in his professional career.

In the Summer League, Melton shot just 31.5% from deep. That may not sound great, but that also includes a horrible first game where he shot 0/6 on his 3s. Take out that game, and he shot 37.5%, a very respectable number. He can continue to grow and learn to shoot better in an organization that will help him improve in every way possible. He has great form on it, he just needs to work on his consistency.

Against the Clippers, Melton even made 5 of his 10 attempts from deep. Take a look at the highlights:

As you can see, he has some great form on his jumper. He also has the willingness to shoot it, putting up 7.6 shots from deep per game during the five Summer League exhibitions.

When he was missing, it was normally short. That’s normal for players who are adjusting to the NBA 3-point line and I expect him to improve as the season goes on and he gets used to the court dimensions.

Next: No. 2