Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton is making “good progress” in his rehabilitation from last season’s ACL tear, having recently intensified his workouts, the team announced today (Twitter link).
According to the Warriors, Melton has been doing individual and “small group” work so far, but the plan is to integrate him into team practices during the next couple weeks. That will happen at both the NBA level and in the G League, where the Santa Cruz Warriors will be practicing more frequently than Golden State.
Melton will be reevaluated in three weeks, per the team, so his regular season debut won’t happen until at least late November. That lines up with comments made on October 1 by head coach Steve Kerr, who said during training camp that the 27-year-old would “hopefully be ready sometime in the next couple months.”
Melton opened the 2024/25 season with the Warriors and looked like a great fit on the roster last fall, but he tore his left ACL after appearing in just six regular season games. He was traded to Brooklyn for salary-matching purposes while injured, but returned to Golden State as a free agent this summer, signing a new two-year, minimum-salary contract that includes a second-year player option.
A jack-of-all-trades contributor who can handle the ball, knock down shots, and defend multiple positions, Melton is expected to play a regular role in the Warriors’ backcourt once he gets back to full health.
With the way Podz, JK, and Moody have been playing, no need for Melton to rush back. He can be like a trade deadline acquisition.
Got to give it for JK. Early season favorite for 6th man or Most Improved. He’s doubled both his assists and rebounds, just like the coaching staff wanted him to do. I guess the contract kerfuffle didn’t effect him. Good for him.
Agree no need to rush whatsoever
Agreed, Seth can wait too. Adding fresh guys in 2026 to the mix can only be a good thing. Keep the big 4 healthy.
GP2 will be 15th man off the bench when that happens.