26 Facts About Monta Ellis

Monta Ellis is a former American professional basketball player.

Monta Ellis entered the NBA directly out of high school, being drafted with the 40th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 2005 NBA draft.

The schools met again later that season, where Monta Ellis had 72 points, a mark tied for second on the all-time state charts.

Monta Ellis finished ranked second in state history with 4,167 points, good for 28.7 points per game.

Monta Ellis originally committed to Mississippi State University, but later decided to enter the NBA draft.

Monta Ellis was selected with the 40th overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors.

Monta Ellis appeared in 46 games as a rookie and made three starts, with all three coming over the last four games of the season.

Monta Ellis averaged 6.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 18.1 minutes per game.

Monta Ellis increased his scoring by 9.7 points from his rookie season, the largest increase in the NBA.

Monta Ellis recorded three or more steals 20 times and had at least five steals three times, including a career-high six against the Seattle SuperSonics on March 17,2007.

Monta Ellis was named the NBA Most Improved Player.

On July 24,2008, Monta Ellis re-signed with the Warriors to a six-year, $66 million contract.

Monta Ellis solidified himself as one of the top guards in the NBA and in the process emerged as the team's true leader.

Many around the league thought that Monta Ellis was deserving of being an All-Star.

On March 13,2012, Monta Ellis was traded, along with Kwame Brown and Ekpe Udoh, to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson.

On July 23,2013, Monta Ellis signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

Monta Ellis joined the Mavericks with questions about his efficiency on offense.

Monta Ellis was 11 of 17 from the field and had eight assists.

Monta Ellis was named Western Conference Player of the Week for the final week of the season.

On June 24,2015, Monta Ellis decided not to pick up the option for the final year of his contract with the Mavericks, thus becoming a free agent.

Monta Ellis underwent surgery on his right knee before the start of free agency, with the procedure described as "minor".

On July 14,2015, Monta Ellis signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Indiana Pacers.

Monta Ellis finished the regular season averaging 13.8 points on 43 percent shooting, including 31 percent from the 3-point line.

Monta Ellis subsequently missed the next eight games with a strained right groin.

Monta Ellis is the son of Marcella Singleton and Rosa Monta Ellis.

Older brother Antwain Monta Ellis was his basketball hero growing up.