Al Horford Nearing Return for Warriors, De’Anthony Melton Easing In
SAN FRANCISCO - The Warriors might be getting a much-needed veteran presence back in the lineup just in time for Christmas.
Al Horford, who’s been sidelined with sciatic nerve irritation in his lower back, has now missed seven straight games and 17 of Golden State’s first 30 this season. But according to head coach Steve Kerr, there’s optimism he could be available for the team’s Christmas Day matchup.
“I think he’s got a chance to play the Christmas game,” Kerr said before Monday night’s tipoff against the Magic.
Horford, 39, was brought in this offseason to provide exactly what the Warriors have been missing: size on defense, floor spacing on offense, and a calming, experienced voice in the locker room. The 19-year veteran came with a carefully managed workload - no back-to-backs, limited minutes - but even within that framework, the impact hasn’t quite materialized yet.
In the 13 games Horford has suited up for, Golden State has gone 7-6. He’s averaging 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds in 21.5 minutes per game - numbers that would mark career lows across the board. It’s clear the Warriors are still trying to find the right rhythm with him on the floor, and his extended absence hasn’t helped that process.
Still, Horford’s potential return is significant. The Warriors have struggled with consistency in the frontcourt, and having a veteran big who can stretch the floor and anchor defensive possessions could help stabilize a rotation that’s lacked cohesion at times.
Melton Finding His Groove
Meanwhile, the Warriors' other major offseason addition, De’Anthony Melton, is slowly carving out his role after returning from knee surgery that ended his previous season.
Melton made his debut on December 4 and has been eased into action since. Through six games, he’s averaging 6.7 points and 2.2 assists in 18 minutes per contest. He’s yet to crack 20 minutes in most of those outings, but that’s more about the team’s crowded backcourt than any lingering injury concerns.
Kerr clarified that Melton is no longer on a strict minutes restriction, with the team’s lead trainer, Rick Celebrini, clearing him for a slight uptick in playing time.
“He’ll probably continue to play in the range that he is playing,” Kerr said.
That range - somewhere around 18 to 22 minutes - may be where Melton stays for now, especially with the Warriors juggling a deep guard rotation. Still, his versatility on both ends of the floor gives Golden State another two-way option as they look to tighten up their rotation heading into the heart of the season.
For a team that has leaned heavily on its stars and younger players alike, getting steady contributions from proven veterans like Horford and Melton could be the key to finding balance - and building momentum - as the calendar flips to 2026.