No one had worse basketball instincts than Perk - he still doesn't have great feel, very mechanical, hard hands, etc. But he's a valuable center, maybe better as a backup now than as the main guy, but either way valuable.
Melo had two years playing college ball, but he was new to the game (relatively), had language issues, and the college system he played in doesn't translate to what the C's are doing (as far as I understand things.)
As for comparing to Perk, I'd say his first year in the NBA was more experience than Melo's entire life. So Melo is raw for his age and for a rookie.
It's far too early to make claims about what Melo is or isn't, I think he could fill the Semi/Steis role of third center now (athletic enough to show on the pick and role, big enough to bang the other teams bigs), but doubt he'll be second string or starting caliber this year. Down the line? Who knows.
The C's still need a legit backup center or they are going to be very small.
