Monta Ellis, a dynamic shooting guard known for his scoring ability and speed, made a name for himself in the NBA with his electrifying play style. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Ellis honed his skills at Lanier High School, where he was recognized as one of the top high school players in the nation. Forgoing college, he declared for the NBA Draft and was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the second round with the 40th overall pick in 2005.
Ellis quickly adapted to the professional level, and by his second season, he was already making waves. In the 2006-2007 season, he averaged 16.5 points per game and earned the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. His ability to drive to the basket and score from mid-range made him a difficult matchup for defenders. Ellis's speed and agility allowed him to excel in the Warriors' fast-paced offense, and he became a fan favorite for his exciting style of play.
During his tenure with the Warriors, Ellis formed a potent backcourt duo with Baron Davis, and the team became known for their "Run TMC" style of play, reminiscent of the Warriors' early 1990s era. Ellis's scoring prowess was on full display during the 2009-2010 season when he averaged a career-high 25.5 points per game, ranking sixth in the league. Despite his individual success, the Warriors struggled to find team success, often missing the playoffs during his time there.
In March 2012, Ellis was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he continued to be a primary scoring option. Paired with Brandon Jennings, Ellis helped lead the Bucks to the playoffs in the 2012-2013 season. Although they were eliminated in the first round by the Miami Heat, Ellis's performance remained consistent, averaging 19.2 points per game during his time with the Bucks.
Ellis's next move was to the Dallas Mavericks in 2013, where he signed a three-year contract. In Dallas, he played alongside Dirk Nowitzki and became an integral part of the team's offense. Ellis's ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others helped the Mavericks reach the playoffs in both 2014 and 2015. His tenure with the Mavericks was marked by his scoring consistency, as he averaged over 18 points per game in both seasons.
In 2015, Ellis signed with the Indiana Pacers, where he played for two seasons. While his scoring numbers dipped slightly, he adapted his game to fit the Pacers' system, contributing as a playmaker and defender. Ellis helped the Pacers reach the playoffs in both seasons, but the team was unable to advance past the first round.
Throughout his career, Ellis was known for his quick first step, ability to finish at the rim, and knack for scoring in bunches. He was a player who could take over games with his offensive skills, often leaving fans and opponents in awe of his scoring outbursts. Despite never being named an All-Star, Ellis's career was marked by his ability to consistently put up points and his role as a primary offensive weapon for multiple teams.
After the 2016-2017 season, Ellis's NBA career came to a close.
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