Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton said it felt “amazing” to be back on the court Friday night after missing five games due to a back strain, writes Sam Gordon of The San Francisco Chronicle. He was able to play 18 minutes, contributing 10 points, two rebounds and three assists as he moved right back into coach Steve Kerr‘s expanded rotation.
“Aggravation and they wanted to be cautious about it,” Melton said of the injury. “They just want to make sure I’m staying strong right now. Staying solid in terms of everything. Not worrying about necessarily being out there all the time, but the long haul.”
Melton experienced back pain while playing for Philadelphia last season and was unavailable for 40 of the final 45 regular season games. Golden State was aware of his physical issues when it signed him in free agency this summer, and the team’s medical staff is being careful in how it’s handling him.
“I’ve got a lot of trust in what they do,” Melton said, “and they’ve gotten me this far, so I’m in it.”
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- Lakers coach J.J. Redick considers his starting lineup to be “fluid,” per Khobi Price of The Orange County Register, so any changes like Friday’s move to replace D’Angelo Russell with Cam Reddish may not be permanent. Reddish put up modest stats with three points and five rebounds, but he impacted the game on defense, particularly in his matchups with Paul George. “Every team is different, every coach is different,” Reddish said. “I just go out there and do what (Redick) tells me to do. In my past life, I was going out there doing what I wanted to do. That doesn’t necessarily work all the time.”
- Several members of the Lakers showed up Saturday night to support Bronny James in his first G League game, according to Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times. The group included Redick, general manager Rob Pelinka, Russell, Anthony Davis and of course Bronny’s father, LeBron James. He posted six points, three rebounds and four assists for South Bay.
- Rookie Ryan Dunn could be coach Mike Budenholzer‘s choice to replace Kevin Durant in the Suns‘ starting lineup while he’s recovering from a calf strain, suggests Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. Royce O’Neale is a more experienced option, Rankin adds, but Budenholzer seems to prefer using him off the bench. Rankin states that the injury could also result in more playing time for Josh Okogie, who made his season debut on Friday, and Bol Bol, who has yet to play this season.
“He posted six points, three rebounds and four assists for South Bay.”
2-9 including 0-4 from 3 and 5 turnovers in nearly 32 minutes in case anyone wants the full picture. At least he’s getting minutes and some experience.
i read that he will only be playing home games for South bay. Why? He needs to be out for every f game and learn how to play team ball.
Do we really need an update every game from a below average G league player?
Meanwhile, the rest of the world moves on…
Let Bronny develop in peace.
If the Laker just keep him in the G league all season who could. Its a shame he is being used as a media prop.
That’s the life of a celebrity. There’s no privacy and your name’s in the news all the time. I remember Robert De Niro saying he would be innocently walking down the sidewalk in New York with his wife, and some clown would yell out from a car passing by, “you talking to me!!?”
But I like what you say arc, just let everyone know you’re keeping him in the G League all year and the Fanfare will subside. That would be the best move for the kid.., and the Lakers too.
I honestly thought he’d stay in the NBA permanently.
Why? Because failing in the G League (see last night) may permanently destroy Bronny’s brand.
He’s guaranteed more $ than an entire G League team combined. Those 26-28yr old grown men are coming for his head.