Golden State Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, the team announced on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old guard sustained the injury during a recent game and had missed the last two matches while consulting with doctors.
Head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that after careful consideration, surgery was deemed the best option for Melton’s long-term health and career. “It’s obviously terrible news,” Kerr said. “I feel so bad for De’Anthony. He’s such a perfect fit for us, and we were excited to have him as our starter next to Steph [Curry].”
Kerr expressed optimism about Melton’s recovery, noting the routine nature of ACL surgeries in modern sports medicine. “The good news is he’s a young guy, and he should be able to come back and resume his career really well,” Kerr added.
Melton was a key acquisition for the Warriors this offseason, slated to fill a backcourt role alongside Curry following Klay Thompson’s departure to the Dallas Mavericks. In six games this season, including two starts, Melton averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 20.2 minutes per game.
However, injuries have hampered his debut campaign with Golden State. Melton had already missed five games earlier in the season due to a strained lower back before the knee issue emerged.
Kerr acknowledged the blow to the team’s plans, saying, “We’re going to miss him, not just for what he brings on the court, but because of the kind of person he is and the energy he brings to the group.”
Next Steps for the Warriors
With Melton sidelined, the Warriors will look to their depth to fill the void. Lindy Waters III, a versatile guard known for his defensive skills, has been inserted into the starting lineup. Waters took the court in Wednesday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks and is expected to feature prominently in the coming weeks.
“We do have a deep team, and guys will be ready to step up,” Kerr said. He emphasized the importance of experimenting with rotations to find the best combinations.
Melton’s recovery and free agency loom as critical considerations for both the player and the organization. Kerr revealed that he has had conversations with Melton about navigating the injury and his future in the league.
“He’s disappointed, but he knows this is the right decision,” Kerr said. “You can’t mess around with a partially torn ACL and think everything will be fine if you just play through it. He’s taking the long view, and that’s the smart approach.”
While Melton begins his recovery, the Warriors face the challenge of adapting their rotation without him. The loss is significant, but Golden State remains confident in its roster depth to stay competitive in the tough Western Conference.
