De’Anthony Melton isn’t just working his way back onto the court - he’s aiming to fill two of the Warriors’ most glaring needs the moment he steps back into action: perimeter defense and outside shooting. And after nearly 13 months away from NBA action, his return couldn’t come at a better time for a Golden State team still searching for consistency on both ends of the floor.
Melton, who tore his ACL late in a November 12 game against the Mavericks last season, spoke to reporters Monday with the kind of quiet confidence that suggests he’s ready to make an impact. The 27-year-old guard didn’t mince words when asked what he brings to the table.
“My ability to shoot and defend is definitely something I feel like just any team can use.”
That’s not just talk. Melton’s track record backs it up.
Since his early years in the league, Melton has steadily developed into a reliable two-way contributor. From beyond the arc, he’s a career 36.9% shooter - a number that jumps to 38.3% if you take out his first two seasons.
On a Warriors roster that currently ranks middle-of-the-pack in three-point percentage (14th in the league), that kind of efficiency would instantly put him among the team’s top shooters. And with Golden State’s offense still trying to find its rhythm outside of Stephen Curry’s brilliance, a steady hand like Melton’s could be a real difference-maker.
But it’s on the defensive end where his presence might be felt most.
The Warriors have struggled to find consistent point-of-attack defense through the first quarter of the season. Young wings like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody have had their moments, but they’ve also shown their inexperience when tasked with shutting down elite perimeter scorers. Melton, with his length, instincts, and defensive IQ, has made a name for himself by taking on those assignments - and winning them more often than not.
His return also comes at a time when Golden State’s rotation is in flux. Injuries, inconsistency, and experimentation have left the backcourt in a constant state of shuffle.
That makes Melton’s potential return during the team’s current three-game road trip - which kicked off in Philadelphia - all the more intriguing. There’s a real opportunity here for him to carve out a meaningful role right away.
Of course, after more than a year off the floor, expectations need to be realistic. ACL recoveries are never linear, and it’ll take time for Melton to fully regain his rhythm. But his comments - and his demeanor - suggest he’s not just physically ready, but mentally locked in.
For a Warriors team trying to climb out of the middle of the pack in a loaded Western Conference, Melton’s return could quietly become one of the most important developments of their season. He’s not a headline-grabber, but he’s the kind of player who makes winning plays - the kind of player every contender needs.
If he can return to form, Golden State may have just added a key piece without making a trade.