Key Warriors Guard Expected to Remain Out for At Least Three Weeks

The Warriors could be getting a key piece of the rotation back before the calendar year ends.

Oct 5, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (8), guard Buddy Hield (7), and guard Seth Curry (31) cheer from the bench during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors are 4-1 through their first five games, showing early promise in what many expect to be a competitive Western Conference this season. Stephen Curry has been outstanding with multiple 30+ point performances, while Jonathan Kuminga has impressed with his all-around performances in each game.

Steph Curry year 17 early season tape pic.twitter.com/oK2k2FIoQw

— Gardas (@Gardas111) October 29, 2025

Now, the Warriors just got some encouraging news on a key role player that could make their roster even deeper.

Melton Moving Closer

After missing nearly two seasons, Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton is moving closer to his return.

According to Warriors PR, Melton has stepped up his individual and small group on-court workouts. The team plans to bring him into practice over the next two weeks, with another evaluation scheduled in three weeks.

That's big news for a Warriors squad that's been missing Melton's two-way impact since last season.

De’Anthony Melton said he felt no bitterness toward the Warriors trading him last year: “I would’ve traded myself.”

He liked his experience and the GSW medical staff so he decided to return pic.twitter.com/9XR2yFE0Wm

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 1, 2025

The guard's Warriors career got off to a promising start before the devastating ACL injury last season.

In six games during the 2024-2025 season, Melton averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while showing the defensive intensity Golden State had been wanting.

Warriors legend De’Anthony Melton pic.twitter.com/6VhqgXez29

— japtaa⚡️ (@DubsBetterr) December 14, 2024

He even earned a spot in the starting lineup after an impressive 19-point performance against Oklahoma City, where he knocked down five three-pointers.

Melton's Impact

When healthy, Melton is exactly the type of player championship-contending teams need. During his two seasons with Philadelphia, he averaged 10 points and three assists while shooting 38 percent from three on five attempts per game, making him a perfect complement at the two-guard spot.

Melton has built his reputation as a versatile combo guard who can defend multiple positions and provide scoring punch off the bench and is a perfect fit next to Steph Curry, as evidenced by last season's hot start.

The Warriors desperately need that kind of depth too.

Defense has always been at the forefront of De'Anthony Melton's game 💪#NBADefenseWeek pic.twitter.com/o6qg6IHfOo

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) September 5, 2024

Last season, Golden State's offensive rating fell 16 points when Curry rested, exposing their lack of secondary playmaking. While Jimmy Butler's arrival helped stabilize those minutes, adding another capable ball-handler and defender like Melton only strengthens their rotation of guards.

If he can return to his pre-injury form, he'll likely compete for significant minutes in Steve Kerr's rotation, possibly as the primary backup guard or even working his way back into the starting lineup.

With Melton progressing well and the Warriors looking like legitimate contenders again, his return could be the final piece that takes this team from good to dangerous.