After missing the playoffs last season, the Golden State Warriors have turned it around. While they’ve been one of the best teams in this young season so far, ONE question remains… How far can Steve Kerr take the Warriors with his 12-man rotation with injuries surmounting? The expectations for the Bay Area’s young players are high, but they all haven’t lived up to them.

In fact, some players have even taken a step back from their performances last season. It’s been a frustrating situation for both team and fans alike. The Warriors announced on Thursday that De’Anthony Melton has a sprained left ACL. He sustained the injury during Tuesday’s 120-117 victory over the Mavericks but managed to finish the game. In 26 minutes, Melton helped GSW win their NBA Cup group play opener, recording 14 points, four assists, and four rebounds. Initially, there was no timeline announced for his return.

But now, Steve Kerr has provided a new development on the Warriors shooting guard injury. “He’s been seeking other opinions. We’ve really been evaluating everything just trying to get him the best advice he can get,” the HC said on the Willard and Dibs podcast.

Looks like the situation is very serious. Kerr continued, “And we’re obviously very concerned… We’re really taking our time and making sure De’Anthony gets all of the advice he needs.”

ACL injuries can potentially end an athlete’s career.

“ACL sprains can be a difficulty entity to determine the best treatment; particularly as at times there can some degree of ligament compromise,” as tweeted by Dr. Nirav Pandya, a medical professional and injury analyst for 95.7 The Game. 

Dr. Pandya further explained, “The key is putting together the exam, imaging, and how the athlete feels. Even with that information, there can be multiple opinions.” This could range from a mild sprain to requiring surgery.

What will the Warriors’ starting 5 be with De’Anthony Melton’s return uncertain?

Steve Kerr’s decision to start the season with a 12-man rotation has helped the Warriors to a solid 10-3 record. That success has meant little to no urgency to shorten this rotation, according to Kendra Andrews of ESPN. “As it stands, no player has a problem with this,” Andrews wrote. We’d say that’s a good sign, considering the team’s been performing well.

For the first 13 games, GSW’s starting lineup has included Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. With Melton sidelined by an ACL sprain, there’s an expectation that he’ll slot back into the starting five when he’s healthy.

It’s tough for Melton, who had already missed 5 games this season due to a back injury before his ACL setback in the Nov. 12 win over Dallas. Kerr admitted that Melton’s absence was “disappointing,” especially because the lineup with him was “really the perfect mix.”

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Steve Kerr had high praise for him, saying, “De’Anthony does a little bit of everything: on-ball defense, rebounding, 3-point shooting, playmaking… He’s obviously a really important player for us.“

Lindy Waters III has started twice since De’Anthony Melton’s injury, and Gary Payton II and Moses Moody have filled in during his absence as well. Kerr hasn’t given a specific recovery timeline for Melton, so he’s likely to keep tweaking his rotation.

If Melton returns soon, however, the Warriors might find themselves locking in a solidified starting lineup earlier than expected. It’s interesting, given Steve Kerr is doing this for the first time in four seasons without Klay Thompson as part of the mix.

It’s a new dynamic for the team, but it could work out in their favor. It’s Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry after all.