Monta Ellis is a former American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for over a decade. He was born on October 26, 1985, in Jackson, Mississippi, and grew up playing basketball in his hometown. Ellis attended Lanier High School in Jackson, where he played basketball for the school team and was named Mississippi's Mr. Basketball in 2005.
Ellis was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 2005 NBA draft. He made his NBA debut in 2005 and quickly established himself as a talented scorer and playmaker. Ellis played for the Warriors for seven seasons, from 2005 to 2012, and was a key player for the team during that time. He averaged 19.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game during his time with the Warriors.
In 2012, Ellis was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he played for one season before being traded again to the Dallas Mavericks. Ellis played for the Mavericks for two seasons, from 2013 to 2015, and was a valuable contributor to the team during that time. He averaged 18.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game during his time with the Mavericks.
After leaving the Mavericks, Ellis signed with the Indiana Pacers in 2015. He played for the Pacers for two seasons, from 2015 to 2017, before being waived by the team in 2017. Ellis was a solid contributor to the Pacers during his time with the team, averaging 11.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.
Throughout his career, Ellis was known for his scoring ability and his quickness on the court. He was a two-time NBA Most Improved Player award winner, in 2007 and 2010, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2006. Ellis was also a fan favorite, known for his flashy style of play and his ability to make difficult shots.
Despite his success on the court, Ellis faced some off-court challenges during his career. In 2008, he was involved in a moped accident that resulted in a suspension from the NBA for 30 games. Ellis also faced criticism for his work ethic and his attitude at times during his career.
Overall, Monta Ellis had a successful career in the NBA, playing for several teams and establishing himself as a talented scorer and playmaker. While he faced some challenges along the way, Ellis remains a respected figure in the basketball world and a fan favorite among many NBA fans.
🏀