The Golden State Warriors might be in desperate need for more high-level role players than another star, such has been the inconsistent nature of their roster beyond the veteran trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
Fortunately one potential starter-level player is nearing a return, with the Warriors providing an update on veteran guard De'Anthony Melton just prior to Wednesday's 110-96 loss to the Miami Heat at Kayesa Center.
De'Anthony Melton is likely to return for the Warriors next month
Golden State's update on Melton revealed that he'll be re-evaluated in another 10 days time, having recently practiced and scrimmaged in Santa Cruz, along with being a regular presence on the Warrior bench through their first 17 games of the season.
ESPN's Anthony Slater also reported in the aftermath of the media release that "some time in December has been a floating target for his (Melton's) return." With over a year having already passed since suffering a torn ACL against the Dallas Mavericks on November 12 last year, there is growing anticipation surrounding Melton's return and what he could potentially provide the Warriors over the second-half of the season.
De’Anthony Melton injury update: pic.twitter.com/m1AucimknY
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) November 19, 2025
That anticipation is only rising after back-to-back defeats for Golden State to the Orlando Magic, followed by the 14-point loss to the Heat where they were without veterans Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Al Horford, along with young forward Jonathan Kuminga who has now missed four-straight games due to knee tendinitis.
The Warriors' role players have been inconsistent to put in nicely so far this season, potentially opening up an opportunity for Melton if he can return anywhere near his best form. Moses Moody has developed into a starting player with some big performances, but also combined for just 15 points on 21 shots over the recent back-to-back.
Brandin Podziemski hasn't taken the leap many had hoped for and is coming off the bench as a result, leaving rookie guard Will Richard as a shock member of the starting lineup despite being taken 56th overall in the draft just six months ago.
Melton has started in 93 of his last 121 games in the NBA, including two with the Warriors last season before his devastating knee injury. Whether he can return anywhere near the player he was is a big question mark given his injury history, but the desperation for that to happen is becoming palpable as the current role players struggle.