Dub Hub: Steve Kerr ‘very concerned’ about De’Anthony Melton’s ACL injury

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Wednesday, November 20th.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• In an interview with 95.7 The Game, Steve Kerr admits the Warriors are ‘very concerned’ with De’Anthony Melton’s ACL injury.
• Draymond Green responds to Grizzlies’ coach Taylor Jenkins, calls him a ‘softie’ on the latest episode of The Draymond Green Show.
• Celtics end the Cavaliers’ undefeated streak at 15 games with 120-117 victory on Tuesday night.

The new additions to the Golden State Warriors have integrated well so far this season, but one of their more intriguing signings was hit with another setback. De’Anthony Melton, the defensive specialist who joined the team on a one-year, $12.8 million deal this offseason, brought much-needed versatility to the team, and specifically, the starting lineup. However, after two games playing as a starter, he suffered an ACL injury against the Dallas Mavericks that has sidelined him for the past two matchups.

The news doesn’t sound good for Melton as Warriors head coach Steve Kerr provided a somber update on his injury status during an interview with 95.7 The Game.

When healthy, Melton proved to be an excellent addition to the starting lineup. He added another elite defender at the point-of-attack, while his 37.1% shooting from beyond the arc and steady ball-handling gave the Warriors newfound versatility on both ends of the court.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Wednesday, November 20th:

Warriors News:

Steve Kerr discusses statuses of De’Anthony Melton, Kevon Looney | 95.7 The Game

Steve Kerr joined Willard and Dibs Tuesday and was asked about Melton’s status. There was still no clear update, but it was not an encouraging report.

“He’s been seeking other opinions,” Kerr said. “We’ve really been evaluating everything just trying to get him the best advice he can get. And we’re obviously very concerned… We’re really taking our time and making sure De’Anthony gets all of the advice he needs.”

Steph wants to be ‘greedy,’ push for fifth NBA championship | NBC Sports Bay Area

He knows a fifth ring would put him on the same level as Hall of Famers Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Magic Johnson.

“All that goes into the obsession of trying to be the best basketball player that I can be,” Curry said, “and trying to lift my team up and have them lift me up to be able to be relevant in that conversation.

“And then, obviously, in the historical realm of basketball, there is another level. You talk about five-time champions and beyond that. It’s a good place to start from, but I definitely want to get greedy.”

Draymond Green, others pay the price for being the NBA’s old men on D | The Athletic

“One thing I learned over the last four years or so,” Green said, “you have to lift weights. And I was someone who was always naturally strong. So I’m like, ‘What I’ma lift weights for? These motherf—–s can’t move me now.’ But your body needs it. Your body needs to get stronger as the season goes on to be able to withstand the pounding.”

NBA West tiers: The favorites and contenders in a stacked field | ESPN

Current Favorites

Golden State Warriors (10-3)

Why they’re here: The Warriors’ 10-3 start, including the first win over Oklahoma City this season by more than two points, has separated them from the giant West pack. Golden State’s deep rotation is well designed to handle the regular season, and the Warriors have given themselves a cushion in case of injuries.

What needs work: Who’s Golden State’s second-best player behind Stephen Curry? It has been Buddy Hield, who’s shooting a scorching 46% from 3-point range, but he has already started coming back to earth. Draymond Green’s playmaking and defense are still elite, but the Warriors’ lack of a second go-to scorer could keep them in the trade market.

Draymond Green calls out ‘softie’ Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins

NBA News:

Celtics hand Cavaliers 1st loss of season, ending Cleveland’s 15-0 start | NBA

This was a chance for the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers to see where they stood against the defending champions.

“This was a great test for us, and unfortunately we didn’t get the win,” said Donovan Mitchell, whose 35 points couldn’t prevent the Cavaliers from picking up their first loss of the season, 120-117 to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.

“It’s definitely a measuring stick,” said Mitchell, who scored 18 points in the fourth quarter, including 14 straight Cleveland points in the final four minutes. You want to see where you’re at, but not hold too much weight on it. … We’re not going to be the same team now that we are in April.”

Nuggets’ Russell Westbrook records 200th career triple-double | ESPN

Westbrook is 19 triple-doubles ahead of Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, and 62 in front of Magic Johnson. His teammate — Nikola Jokic — is fourth with 136, followed by LeBron James at 117.

“It’s a blessing,” Westbrook said of reaching the milestone. “I’m truly grateful to be able to play the game [well enough] to do that. But I’m also appreciative of the ones who came before me.”

Lakers’ LeBron James comments on rookie Dalton Knecht’s 37-point night

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

How a Terance Mann corner three may have caused the Warriors’ loss to the Clippers

At the 7:17 mark of the fourth quarter, Harden — having brought up Steph Curry via triple ball screens to entice a switch, with the Warriors obliging — opted to saunter to his right, no doubt caused by Curry’s “weak” coverage (i.e., shading Harden to his right, which is considered his weak hand). Andrew Wiggins ends up switching onto Terance Mann and “guards” him in the right corner. Entering the night, Mann sported a 9-of-32 clip (28.1%) on threes; on the surface, that gives him a scouting-report designation of “okay to leave open” at the least and “warranting a soft close-out” at most.

However, sifting through Mann’s threes and categorizing them by location, an anomaly that belies his overall prowess as a three-point shooter can be found. On right corner threes, Mann entered the night with a 5-of-8 clip — 62.5%. While the volume is most certainly low, it’s enough to conclude that if Mann were to be parked on a spot on the floor that gives him a modicum of shooting ability, it’s in the right corner.

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