The Golden State Warriors say guard De’Anthony Melton has ramped up on-court work and recently joined the Santa Cruz Warriors for practices and scrimmages, according to a Wednesday press release. The club will continue integrating the 27-year-old with the NBA roster and plans to reevaluate him in 10 days.
Melton tore the ACL in his right knee last November and underwent surgery on December 4, ending his 2024/25 season. After signing a minimum-salary deal to return to Golden State over the summer, he has been working through the final phase of rehabilitation. ESPN’s Anthony Slater previously reported that the Warriors have targeted December for Melton’s season debut.
Additional injury notes around the league
Magic: Forward Paolo Banchero (left groin strain) will miss his fourth consecutive game Thursday against the Clippers, the Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede reported. Banchero’s availability carries financial implications: language in his maximum-salary rookie extension requires him to appear in at least 65 games to remain eligible for an All-NBA bonus under the Rose Rule.
Timberwolves: Forward Jaden McDaniels has been diagnosed with a sprained left wrist after exiting Monday’s contest in the third quarter, The Associated Press noted. He will sit out Wednesday’s matchup with Washington, marking his first missed game since December 8, 2023. McDaniels is averaging 17.5 points while shooting 52.1 percent from three in 14 appearances.
Cavaliers: Point guard Darius Garland will remain sidelined for a fifth straight game Wednesday after aggravating his surgically repaired left great toe last week. Head coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters the guard’s return should come soon, describing him as “really close.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
