Monta Ellis
| Golden State Warriors | |
|---|---|
| Position | Guard |
| Personal information | |
| Born | October 26, 1985 Jackson, Mississippi |
| Nationality | USA |
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed weight | 177 lb (80 kg) |
| Career information | |
| NBA draft | 2005: 2nd round, 40th overall |
| Selected by the Golden State Warriors | |
| Playing career | 2005–present |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
Monta Ellis (born October 26, 1985 in Jackson, Mississippi) is an American professional basketball player, who plays the point guard and shooting guard positions. He is currently playing for the NBA's Golden State Warriors.
High school career
Ellis attended Lanier High School in Jackson where he was named Parade Magazine High School Player of the Year 2005 (along with Greg Oden). He had committed to Mississippi State University before opting for the NBA in 2005. During his four high school years he averaged 28.9 points, 4.9 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game at a shooting percentage of 78.0% in free-throws, 46.1% in field goals and 43.5% in three-pointers. His last year at Lanier High School was his best, he put up 38.4 points, 6.8 assists, 7.9 rebounds and 4.5 steals per game, while shooting 80.0% on free-throws, 46.0% on field goals and 48.0% on three-pointers.
Professional career
Drafted by the Warriors in the 2nd round (40th overall) in the 2005 NBA Draft, Ellis was inserted into the starting lineup late in the 2005-06 NBA season, along with fellow rookie Ike Diogu. He was highly regarded as one of the players to watch during the 2006 summer league, but was unable to compete due to knee problems.
On January 24, 2007, Ellis hit his first career game-winning shot as time expired to give the Warriors a 110-109 victory over the New Jersey Nets.
On January 31, he was selected to play in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge during the NBA's All-Star weekend. He scored 28 points in a win for the sophomore team on 13 for 16 shooting. He was edged out by David Lee and Chris Paul for the game's MVP honors.
On February 24, Ellis recorded a career high 13 assists against the Los Angeles Clippers.
On April 26, he received the NBA's Most Improved Player Award after averaging 16.5 points per game, a substantial increase from his average of 6.8 points per game as a rookie.[1]
Notes
- ^ Ellis edges Martin, wins most improved award, published April 26, 2007