From Draft to Defensive Standout
Drafted 46th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2018, Melton was traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft night. He debuted in the NBA that October but spent significant time in the G League, showcasing explosiveness with 16.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.0 steals in Summer League.
Traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019, Melton emerged as a key role player, finishing eighth in Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2021-22 after averaging strong two-way stats. His tenure with the 76ers in 2022-23 saw 10.1 points and 39% from three, though injuries began mounting.
Across 356 career games, Melton holds averages of 9.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals, with career highs in free-throw shooting (83.5%) during his injury-plagued 2023-24 stint.
ACL Recovery and Warriors Tenure
Joining the Warriors in 2024, Melton played six games, averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists before his November 20 ACL injury announcement requiring surgery. Limited to 20.2 minutes per game, he shot 37.1% from three in that brief stint.
After 12 months sidelined, Melton recommitted on October 1, 2025, debuting this season with optimism. Against the 76ers, he battled defensively and spoke positively about shaking off fatigue, noting improved ball movement in film review.
Current 2025-26 stats show 6.3 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 27.1% field goal shooting, reflecting adjustment challenges post-injury.
Struggles and Path Forward
Recent games paint a grim picture: over four outings, Melton averages 3.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 17.4 minutes, shooting 13.6% from the floor and 0-for-13 from three. This slump coincides with three Warriors losses, amplifying pressure on a below-.500 team.
Analysts urge patience, citing the difficulty of returning from major injury. Coach Steve Kerr must balance urgency with Melton's upside—none of Golden State's guard glut matches his defensive impact when healthy. With the trade deadline looming February 5, 2026, persistence in 18-20 minutes could yield playoffs dividends.
The solution? Maintain trust in Melton amid offensive woes, hoping his shooting rebounds to bolster the Warriors' momentum push.