Melvin Ely

Overview: A role player who never developed into the player he could have been, and hasn’t improved much since entering the league. Possesses good size, a 7-4 wingspan, and very good bulk for the power forward position, but spends a lot of minutes at the 5-spot, making him a bit of a tweener. Mobile player, but not incredibly explosive. Conditioning is questionable. Displays good scoring ability around the basket, but still isn’t terribly efficient. Has the raw tools that you look for in a post scorer, but has yet to develop his individual skills. Basketball IQ is just OK. Had an impressive four year career at Fresno State after being declared ineligible as a freshman. Won the WAC Player of the Year Award as a junior and senior. Has struggled to live up to his late lottery selection. Faces questions about his work ethic and attitude, and needs to answer those questions to see playing time wherever he ends up.

Offense: An average offensive option who gets more than half of his offense one on one in the post. Not going to impress anyone with his jump shot. Doesn’t show good touch from the midrange. Has a much better feel for the game around the basket. Can score a little bit from there. Displays soft hands and great touch from in close. Can’t bully defenders like he did in college, so he isn’t always able to get into a situation where he can use that touch. Displays a nice right handed hook shot, and will even go left from time to time. Needs to work on his consistency with both hands. Will get blocked pretty frequently due to his lack of quickness and explosiveness. Doesn’t get to the free throw line at a great rate, and is mediocre once there. Really needs to extend the range of his offensive repertoire to improve his efficiency. Doesn’t show great awareness when putting the ball on the floor, and has no left hand to speak of. A poor passer, and very turnover prone. Good at getting position on the block, but doesn’t have the athleticism or length to be a great offensive rebounder.

Defense: An adequate defender who has the physical tools to be much better. Has the size of a PF, but is forced to spend much of his time at the 5-spot due to his inability to defend on the perimeter. Doesn’t get in a good stance or go straight up on the shot. Commits lots of unnecessary fouls. Can block shots and fight for position, but needs to improve his work ethic and focus. Lapses in judgment consistently take him out of games. Throws his weight around on the interior. Will grab his share of defensive rebounds, but maybe not quite as much as you’d hope considering his limitations in other areas.