The Golden State Warriors are getting a much-needed boost just in time for their upcoming road trip: De’Anthony Melton is officially set to make his season debut Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.
It’s been a long road back for Melton, who has missed nearly 13 months after tearing his ACL on November 12 of last year. That injury came just six games into his initial stint with Golden State, cutting short what had the makings of a strong fit alongside Stephen Curry in the backcourt. Now, after a grueling recovery process, Melton is ready to rejoin the rotation-and the timing couldn’t be better.
The Warriors have stumbled after a promising 4-1 start, dropping 10 of their last 17 games. While there are multiple reasons for the skid, one of the more glaring issues has been the inconsistency outside of Curry in the guard rotation. Simply put, they’ve been searching for reliable two-way production next to their superstar, and Melton brings exactly that.
At 6'2", Melton might not have the size of a traditional wing, but his defensive instincts, length, and toughness allow him to guard multiple positions. Offensively, he’s a capable shooter and a smart secondary ball-handler-someone who doesn’t need the ball to be effective, but can still make plays when called upon. That kind of versatility should be a welcome addition for a team that’s been struggling to find the right combinations on both ends of the floor.
And make no mistake: this isn’t just about easing Melton back into action. The Warriors need him. Right now.
His return also comes on the heels of another encouraging development for Golden State-Seth Curry’s debut on Tuesday night against the Thunder. The veteran sharpshooter looked right at home, finishing with 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal in a strong performance. With both Currys now active and Melton entering the fold, the competition for minutes in the backcourt is about to heat up.
That’s going to create some tough decisions for Steve Kerr and his staff. Players like Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Will Richard, and Gary Payton II will all feel the ripple effects of Melton’s return.
Some may see reduced roles, others might be pushed to elevate their games. Either way, the guard rotation is about to get a lot more crowded-and a lot more competitive.
There’s also a bit of added intrigue with Melton’s return coming against his former team. He spent two seasons with the Sixers, playing 115 games and carving out a reputation as a gritty, reliable contributor. While injuries have limited him to just 44 games over the past two years, including those six with the Warriors last season, his brief stint in Golden State clearly left an impression.
In fact, it was during those final two games-when he started alongside Curry-that Melton really showed what he could bring to this team. His ability to defend, space the floor, and play within the Warriors’ system stood out, even in limited action.
That’s part of what made his injury so frustrating for the team. It felt like they had found something that worked, only to have it ripped away just as it was starting to click.
Golden State ended up trading Melton for Dennis Schroder last December, but clearly, the door was never fully closed. The relationships built during that brief time mattered. Melton returned to the Warriors this past offseason on a two-year, $6.5 million deal, and now he’s back in the mix with a chance to make a real impact.
For a Warriors team trying to rediscover its rhythm and identity, Melton’s return could be a turning point. He brings defense, shot-making, and a calm presence-traits that have been in short supply during this recent stretch. If he can stay healthy and pick up where he left off, Golden State might finally have the backcourt balance they’ve been missing.
The journey back hasn’t been easy, but Melton’s ready. And for the Warriors, his return couldn’t come at a better time.