The Warriors are about to get a much-needed boost in their backcourt. De’Anthony Melton, who’s been sidelined for nearly 13 months, is expected to make his season debut Thursday night in Philadelphia - a city he once called home.
Melton has been working his way back from an ACL tear suffered last November, and it looks like the long rehab is finally behind him. He’s not listed on Golden State’s initial injury report, signaling he’s on track to suit up for the first time this season.
It’s been a winding road for Melton, who signed a one-year deal with the Warriors during the 2024 offseason. His first run with the team was short but showed real promise.
In just six games before the injury, Melton averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals in a little over 20 minutes per game. That’s efficient two-way production in a limited sample, and the Warriors were +10.9 in the 121 minutes he was on the floor - a strong indicator of his impact.
What stood out most was how seamlessly Melton fit next to Stephen Curry. His defensive instincts, ability to guard multiple positions, and willingness to play off the ball gave Golden State another layer on both ends. He wasn’t asked to do too much, but what he did, he did well - and the numbers backed it up.
Melton rejoined the Warriors this fall after a brief stint in Brooklyn, but staying on the court has been the real hurdle. Between the ACL recovery and a lingering back issue from the previous season, he’s managed just 14 games since January 2024. That’s a tough stretch for any player, especially one trying to carve out a consistent role on a veteran-heavy team.
Head coach Steve Kerr is expected to ease Melton back into the rotation, likely with a minutes restriction. And that’s the smart play.
Rushing him back into full-speed action wouldn’t make sense, especially with his recent injury history. But even in limited minutes, Melton could provide a stabilizing presence - particularly on defense, where the Warriors have missed his versatility.
Golden State could use all the help it can get right now. Stephen Curry remains sidelined with a quad contusion, and the injury report is filling up. Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, and Quinten Post are all questionable for Thursday’s game, leaving Kerr with some tough decisions and a short bench.
Getting Melton back doesn’t solve everything, but it’s a step in the right direction. He’s not just another body - he’s a player who, when healthy, brings real value on both ends of the floor. For a Warriors team trying to find consistency in a season already marked by injuries and lineup shuffling, his return could quietly be one of the more important developments of the early campaign.