De’Anthony Melton Devastates Veteran Warriors Teammate After Just Two Games

De’Anthony Melton has made a significant impact on the Golden State Warriors’ rotation upon his return. His presence has notably affected the role of veteran guard Gary Payton II. After just two games, it’s clear that Payton’s minutes have drastically decreased, leading to uncertainty about his future contributions.

Impact of De’Anthony Melton’s Return

De’Anthony Melton’s return follows a long recovery from a knee injury that kept him sidelined for nearly 13 months. His comeback came during a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers last Thursday. Since then, Melton has demonstrated his offensive skills, averaging 13.5 points, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 steals, while shooting 45% from the field.

Gary Payton II’s Recent Performance

Gary Payton II initially showed promise leading up to Melton’s return. He had notable performances, including:

• 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists against the New Orleans Pelicans.
• 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists versus the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Despite these efforts, Payton’s role has diminished significantly with Melton’s return. He logged just over three minutes in the game against Philadelphia, followed by slightly more time during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to Melton resting. Most recently, Payton played a mere four minutes against the Chicago Bulls, with no minutes in the second half as the Warriors secured a dominant 123-91 victory.

Shifting Guard Dynamics

Melton’s presence raises questions about Payton’s position on the team, especially with the impending return of Stephen Curry, which could further complicate the Warriors’ guard rotation. Payton must now compete for playing time against an array of talented guards, which may lead to more “Did Not Play” (DNP) designations for him in the future.

As the Warriors navigate these changes, it seems Melton has established himself as a vital asset, creating a challenging situation for Payton and the coaching staff. His impressive early performance indicates that he will be a crucial component in Golden State’s pursuit of success this season.