I saw every one of Perk's rookie year summer league games at U Mass Boston, and I watched Melo's summer league games this summer and a few of his D league games. Perk was as NBA ready skill-wise as a raw high schooler as Melo is now. Melo is in better physical condition, although Perk's knowledge of the game seemed better. Perk had an idea how to play position defense, box out, and whip half court outlet passes to Marcus Banks. The only NBA level skill I've seen out of Melo is his shot-blocking and rim defense. He has good quickness for a man that size, and can get from one side of the lane to the other to block or affect a shot.
However, I believe that Melo can be force fed small minutes this season against certain match ups. This team is going to be a low playoff seed whether Melo plays eight minutes a night or zero. Philly or Toronto won't be catching the Celtics unless the Cs go on an eight game losing streak.