Melo and Joseph to Play for the Boston Celtics

By Ali Koskoris

Syracuse University has added two more players to the Atlantic Division of the NBA.  Earlier this summer, the Boston Celtics drafted four-year Orangeman Kris Joseph and two-year Orangeman Fab Melo.

AP Photo/ Elise Amendola

Joseph, a 6-7 forward, dominated in scoring his senior year at SU.  Playing in every game last season, he averaged 32.2 minutes, 13.4 points, and 4.7 rebounds. 

Melo, a 7-foot center, was awarded the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award in the 2011-12 NCAA season.  The Brazilian star lost thirty pounds after his freshman year and came out for his sophomore year with defensive prowess, blocking 88 shots and averaging 5.8 rebounds on the season.

Heading into the 2012 season, the Celtics were in dire need of a center and a couple more strong big men, and hopefully Joseph and Melo can fill those holes.  In their first preseason game, Joseph played five minutes and pulled down an offensive board. Melo played nine minutes, grabbing three rebounds, blocking one shot, and dishing out an assist. In their second game, Joseph played six and a half minutes, scoring two and grabbing a rebound. Melo played five minutes and snatched one rebound.

The hype seems to be more about Melo, who was drafted in the first round.  His 7-2 wingspan and stellar timing allows him to be a dangerous blocker and guarder of the rim.  Melo has already demonstrated his potential to be a defensive energizer with his monster block and strong defense in the first preseason game, but he also turned the ball over three times and missed rotations in those first two games.  The twenty-one year old needs to work on pretty much everything-especially offense and man-to-man defense, but, luckily, he has some impressive teachers. 

Melo gets to work with an excellent coach in Doc Rivers and future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Garnett.  As a defensive leader, Melo will find a comfortable home with the defensively focused Celtics; and with mentors like those on the Celtics, he can only improve. 

Joseph, on the other hand, is less talked about, but he may surprise people with his ball-handling skills and four years of college experience.  Joseph, with his raw athleticism, will likely be dangerous in transition play and defense.  He does need to work on his jump shot and man-to-man defense, but this will also come with time. 

Both Melo and Joseph have a lot to work on if they want to play significant minutes with the Boston Celtics, but expect to see them both make an impact this year.