The Golden State Warriors had a nearly flawless start to the first month of the 2024–25 NBA season, but that all came to a head on Wednesday. Starting shooting guard De’Anthony Melton will have season-ending surgery to repair his damaged left ACL, the organization announced in a news release.
At first, Melton was described as day-to-day, but lately, the tone had changed. Coach Steve Kerr had said that the team was “very concerned” about Melton’s sprained ACL on Tuesday’s off-day. And regrettably, the worst news came to pass.
One of the team’s most valuable offseason acquisitions was Melton, who was signed by the Dubs to a one-year, $12.8 million contract. The guard is consistently underappreciated. Melton was added to the starting lineup after missing few games due to injuries and spending some time to adjust to his new squad. He and Steph Curry made a formidable backcourt. Melton averaged 16.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game in his two games as a starter. He also played outstanding defense and shot 50.0% from three-point range on 7.0 attempts a game.
Melton was undoubtedly one of the Warriors’ finest players this season, so the loss is heartbreaking. Melton, who appeared to be next in line among several veterans to spend a season with the Warriors, increase their value, and cash out handsomely in free agency, suffered a devastating injury.
Kerr will have to replace Melton in the starting lineup as he will be sidelined for the season. Lindy Waters III was used by Kerr in Melton’s recent absence, but this was probably done to maintain the bench rotations because Waters had not been used when the Warriors were healthy. Mike Dunleavy Jr. will undoubtedly be looking around for an impact trade, while Kerr will probably search for a more long-term option (Moses Moody would seem to be the most sensible alternative, unless he returns to the season-opening lineup by starting Jonathan Kuminga).
Heal up, De’Anthony. We’ll be thinking of you.
