The Golden State Warriors are looking like one of the best teams in basketball so far. They are 9-2 and own the No.2 seed in the Western Conference. Furthermore, the Warriors are playing elite basketball on both ends of the floor. Unfortunately for the team, however, they will be without one of their key role players for the foreseeable future. According to Warriors PR, guard De’Anthony Melton suffered a sprained ACL and will miss time due to the injury. Melton has already been ruled out for Golden State’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.
Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton has a sprained left ACL and will undergo further tests. He will not play in tomorrow night’s game against the Grizzlies and an update on his status will be provided when available.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) November 14, 2024
Golden State Warriors Guard Reportedly Suffers ACL Injury
De’Anthony Melton’s Season Before the Injury
During the offseason, Melton signed a one-year, $12.8 million contract to join the Warriors after spending the last two seasons of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers. In his first season in Golden State, Melton has looked very solid. Through six games, including two starts, the 26-year-old is averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals. Additionally, he is shooting 40.7% from the field and 37.1% from the three-point line.
Melton was playing very good basketball prior to his injury and has proven to be a good fit with the Warriors. In his absence, the Warriors will rely more heavily on Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield. Furthermore, Moses Moody and Gary Payton II could be in line for a large role in the team’s rotation as well.
At this point, it is unknown exactly how much time Melton will miss. While an ACL injury is brutal, it is reportedly a sprain and not a full tear. Regardless, until he returns from his injury, many players on the Warriors roster will have to step up.
The Last Word
Despite many counting the Warriors out this season, they look primed for another contending season. After missing the playoffs last season, the team lost Klay Thompson in free agency after he signed with the Dallas Mavericks. Still, the Warriors have not only not skipped a beat, but they even look better than they did last season. How much of their early season success is sustainable remains to be seen. Nonetheless, there is a lot to like about the Warriors this season.
Most notably, Stephen Curry still looks like a top player in the league. Furthermore, Draymond Green is turning back the clock a little bit, anchoring the Warriors’ elite defense. Golden State is also seeing some great returns out of Hield. In his first season, he is looking like a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year favorite.
Overall, the Warriors look like a great team once again. Despite their roster turnover, they have started the season off hot. There is a good chance they continue this streak the rest of the way, especially with Curry and Green still on the team.
