De’Anthony Melton will have season-ending ACL surgery

Golden State Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton will miss the remainder of the 2023-2024 NBA season after being scheduled for ACL surgery, the team announced on Wednesday. This comes after further tests confirmed that Melton’s injury, which he had been managing as a sprained left ACL, requires surgery to ensure long-term recovery.

Melton’s Injury and Impact on the Warriors’ Season

Melton had missed Golden State’s last two games due to the knee issue, and although initial assessments suggested a less serious injury, additional testing led to the decision for surgery. The team confirmed that undergoing surgery was “in De’Anthony’s best interest” moving forward.

Over the course of his six appearances this season, Melton averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. He also started in two of those games and played an important role in Golden State’s lineup. The guard signed a one-year mid-level exception contract with the Warriors in the offseason after spending two years with the Philadelphia 76ers.

A Season of Injuries for Melton

This injury marks the second consecutive season that Melton has been plagued by significant injuries. Last season with the 76ers, he only appeared in 38 games due to a back injury. Though he returned late in the season, he had limited playing time during the stretch run and playoffs. The persistent injuries have made it a difficult start to the 2023-2024 campaign for Melton, who had hoped to contribute significantly to the Warriors’ title aspirations.

Golden State Warriors’ Adjustments Without Melton

Melton’s 3-and-D skillset made him an ideal fit in the Warriors’ starting lineup at shooting guard, providing defense and perimeter shooting alongside Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. In limited minutes, this starting unit had an impressive net rating of +22, showcasing the potential for high-level play with Melton in the fold.

Without Melton, Golden State’s coaching staff faces the challenge of adjusting the roster. In the last two games, Steve Kerr opted to start Lindy Waters III in Melton’s place, but he has yet to establish himself as a clear long-term solution. The Warriors also have Buddy Hield, who has thrived in a bench role, and Brandin Podziemski, whose ball-handling skills are valuable with the second unit. Additionally, key contributors like Gary Payton II and Jonathan Kuminga may be candidates for starting roles, especially with their defensive prowess and scoring potential.

A Silver Lining in Melton’s Absence

The Golden State Warriors are often considered one of the NBA’s deepest teams, and this injury to Melton comes at a time when the team’s depth could be a deciding factor in overcoming setbacks. Steve Kerr has regularly used 11- and 12-man rotations throughout the season, ensuring that multiple players are capable of stepping up in any given situation. Despite the loss of a key player like Melton, the Warriors are well-equipped to manage his absence, relying on their versatile roster to adjust on the fly.

Key Takeaways:

• De’Anthony Melton will undergo season-ending ACL surgery, missing the remainder of the 2023-2024 NBA season.
• Melton was averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in his six games with the Warriors.
• This injury marks his second consecutive season impacted by significant injuries.
• The Warriors will need to adjust their lineup, with Lindy Waters III, Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II, and Jonathan Kuminga among the potential replacements.
• Despite the loss of Melton, the Warriors’ depth gives them a strong foundation to continue competing at a high level.

The loss of De’Anthony Melton is undoubtedly a blow to the Golden State Warriors, but with their depth and coaching flexibility, they remain one of the most formidable teams in the NBA. The Warriors’ ability to adapt to injuries has been a hallmark of their success, and they will need to tap into that resilience as the season progresses.