Ellis, Ellis, Monta Ellis. Jumpshot Ellis, dunk like Ellis, young god Ellis, swag like Ellis.
I’ve been seeing tons of Monta Ellis agenda all over social media this week and I’m all for it. If you know me then you know Monta Ellis is my GOAT, no question about it.
Just like how Brandon Miller stands on ten toes for Paul George, I’m staying down for Monta Ellis 24/7, 365. He was easily the most electric and flashiest player I’ve ever seen and growing up watching prime Ellis with the Golden State Warriors was a top 25 life experience.
Ellis averaged 18 points per game, four rebounds and five assists on 45% from the field. While these numbers don’t jump out at you, the things he was doing in game should be illegal. This man was torching defenses on a nightly basis and other players knew he was a threat.
Although he stood a mere 6’3, Ellis had a vertical like no other. His explosiveness and speed were his biggest attributes and helped him attack the paint putting fear in the eyes of rim protectors around the league. If you were caught sleeping at the top of the key, nine times out of ten Ellis already put somebody on a poster.
Not only was he a threat attacking the basket, he could also put a hesi on you and step back for three nothing but net. Hand down man down buddy. He had all the offensive tools to become a lethal scorer and he did just that in the 2010-11 season.
That year he averaged 24 points, four rebounds and six assists in eighty games. By far his best season production wise, but his best year scoring wise came in 2009-10 when he put up 26 points per game. Both seasons he played just over 40 minutes per game.
At that stage in his career he was paired with a young Steph Curry and that backcourt would become one of the most exciting young duos to watch. While Curry was yet to become the greatest shooter of all time, he and Ellis put on a show for NBA viewers and had analysts questioning who would be the future of the franchise.
While Curry would go on to take that role, Ellis was shipped off to Milwaukee where he would continue to have a solid career. Although his numbers dipped a bit as he hovered around the 17-20 points per game mark, he still was the same Ellis when it came to the highlights.
Everything from the dunks, the handles, step back threes, 360 layups, you name it. Ellis had one of the deepest bags in NBA history and real fans will acknowledge just how fun he was to watch and how impactful he could be when he was really hooping.
One thing I don’t like about the clip above with the Mavericks is the fact that the announcer said “John Wall action” as if Ellis hadn’t been doing that for years prior to Wall but I digress. Also Rajon Rondo with Ellis is elite backcourt lore.
Ellis dropped 40 points nine times in his career with a career high of 48 coming in 2012 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also shot over 50% from the field in eight out of nine of those games and over 65% in five of them. The man could ball.
What I love about Ellis besides his game and his flair is the fact that he knows he’s cold. There’s a clip out there of him saying he doesn’t think anyone matches up with him man to man and I couldn’t agree more. This video kicks off with that audio which came from an NBA Action segment in 2011 (bring NBA Action back btw).
The reason Ellis has had so much success is because his game is authentic. He built a loyal fanbase through focusing on his craft, and not being pressured into playing like other stars. His success continues to inspire me. Hopefully one day my writing can touch the masses just like how Ellis touched the hearts of the entire basketball world. But as for now, I’m just happy being a fan.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Rocky Widner
Writing Roundball 
Leave a comment