De’Anthony Melton Is Healthy - And That’s a Big Win for the Warriors
When De’Anthony Melton was with the Philadelphia 76ers, he carved out a role as a reliable spark off the bench - especially when Joel Embiid wasn’t on the floor. He gave the Sixers a much-needed offensive jolt in those second-unit minutes, and fans took notice.
But lingering injuries - a nagging back issue in Philly and then a partially torn ACL after signing with Golden State - have kept him from building any momentum over the past two seasons. Now, finally healthy, Melton is reminding the league what he can do when he’s at full strength.
Back in the 2022-23 season, Melton averaged 10.1 points per game and knocked down 39% of his threes - solid numbers that showed his value in a rotation built around Embiid and James Harden. But the following season was a different story.
His back problems flared up again, and he was limited to just 38 appearances in 2023-24. Even when he did suit up, it was rare to see him string together consistent performances.
The rhythm just wasn’t there, and the Sixers never got the full version of what Melton could bring to a playoff-caliber team.
Then came the move to the West Coast - and more bad luck. Melton suffered a season-ending ACL injury on November 12, 2024, in a game against the Dallas Mavericks.
That setback kept him off the court for over a year, delaying his Warriors debut until December 2025. For Melton, the question was never about talent.
It was always about availability. Could he stay on the floor long enough to make a real impact?
So far, the answer is trending in the right direction.
Since returning to the lineup, Melton’s presence has coincided with a noticeable uptick in Golden State’s form. The Warriors have won eight of their last 10 games - and while you can’t pin all of that success on one player, it’s clear that Melton’s contributions are giving this team a lift. He’s not just filling minutes; he’s changing the energy of the second unit.
In January, Melton is averaging 15.1 points per game while shooting a blistering 50% from the field and 43.5% from deep. That kind of efficiency from a bench guard is gold in Steve Kerr’s system - a system that thrives on ball movement, floor spacing, and perimeter shooting. With Buddy Hield struggling to find consistency, Melton’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better time.
What makes this version of Melton so valuable is the combination of offensive punch and defensive versatility. He’s always been a strong perimeter defender with quick hands and good instincts, but now he’s pairing that with confident shot-making and smart decision-making on the offensive end. He’s not just a role player - he’s a difference-maker when he’s healthy.
Philadelphia fans won’t be surprised to see Melton thriving again. They saw flashes of this during his time in the City of Brotherly Love.
What’s surprising - and encouraging - is that he’s finally stringing together healthy games. That’s been the missing piece.
And if he can keep this up, Golden State might have found a crucial piece to bolster their playoff push.
The Warriors already have their stars in Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. But championship teams are built on depth, and Melton is quickly proving he can be a high-impact contributor off the bench. If he stays healthy, the Warriors have another weapon - one that could swing a playoff series when the margins get tight.