Five Reasons Why Fab Melo Will Not Be a Bust in the NBA

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Fab Melo had a very up-and-down career at Syracuse. Melo was overweight his freshman year, which led him to be a disappointment. However, Fab came back much slimmer his sophomore year and was a defensive force and a key contributor for the Orange.

Unfortunately his Syracuse career ended on a bad note when he was suspended for the entire 2012 NCAA tournament.

Fab Melo was selected with the 22nd pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. He is considered a high-risk, high-reward prospect in the NBA, but he is actually not as risky of a player as some may lead you to believe.

Here are five reasons why Fab Melo will succeed in the NBA.

Melo's Defensive Ability

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One thing that Fab Melo will always be able to rely on during his NBA career is his defense.

Melo was an elite defender at Syracuse, and has been just as dominant in the Orlando Summer League. Melo has averaged nearly 1.5 blocks per game in just 13 minutes per game in summer league play. 

Melo's defense will allow him to have a long career in the NBA.

Melo's Size

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Fab Melo is a legit seven-foot big man, which is rare commodity in the NBA these days. Melo will not be at a height disadvantage when he is guarding any center in the league, which will also allow him to get more playing time. 

Kevin Garnett is near the end of his career, which paves the way for Fab Melo to take over the Celtics' starting center position in the future.

Doc Rivers

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Fab Melo needed to go to the right team that has the right coach and the right situation for him to develop into a solid NBA player. The Boston Celtics are a perfect landing spot for Melo, mainly because of their coach, Doc Rivers. 

Rivers will make sure that Fab Melo has a professional work ethic, and he will likely be patient with him in terms of his offensive development. Rivers is one of the best coaches in the NBA, and he will be responsible for the project that is Fab Melo.

Kevin Garnett

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Kevin Garnett is entering his 18th season in the NBA and can be a great resource for Fab Melo. Garnett's work ethic is second to none, and he will likely expect that Melo will work just as hard as he will.

Garnett is also not afraid to let a teammate know that they need to step up either their actions or their play. He once made one of his own teammates, Glen "Big Baby" Davis, cry in the middle of the game.

Offensive Potential

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Fab Melo has all of the tools to be a solid player on the offensive side of the court. Melo has great form on his jump shot, and if he ever manages to make it with any consistency he will be able to stretch opposing defenses.

Fab also has great athleticism, which is a bonus for a guy with his size. Melo can play above the rim, but he just needs to be taught how to do it effectively.