No, Melo is not Thabeet because he doesn't run like he has thick rubber bands around his thighs. Thabeet runs like a total stiff. Melo isn't the most athletic guy but he's more mobile than Thabeet and his motor is also better.
Melo can't compare with Thabeet as far as college performance goes. Thabeet was co-Big East player of the Year with DeJuan Blair his final season. He was excellent in college although with concerns about his motor and weak hands on the boards.