Monta Ellis remains one of the NBA’s most electrifying shooting guards of the 2000s and early 2010s. Known for his speed, scoring ability, and fierce competitiveness, Ellis left a lasting legacy, especially with the Golden State Warriors. This article dives into the rise of Monta Ellis, his memorable years in the NBA, his partnership with Steph Curry, and why fans still talk about him today.

The Rise of Monta Ellis in the NBA

Selected in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, Monta Ellis quickly made his presence known. Despite his relatively small frame, Ellis’s fast first step and relentless attack made him difficult for defenders to control. The guard averaged 17.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over his 12-season career, captivating fans with his flashy drives and creative shot-making.

Golden State Days and Steph Curry Connection

Ellis’s most notable years occurred in the Bay Area. As a Warrior, his dynamic play style helped transform a rebuilding team into one worth watching. For a period, Ellis shared the backcourt with future Hall of Famer Steph Curry. Both were prolific scorers, but their styles complemented and sometimes clashed with each other as the team evolved.

In a revealing interview, Monta Ellis discussed Curry’s early journey. He remarked, "I knew he worked hard. He definitely would pay attention and the things that I was doing, he paid a whole lot of attention to it and he put that in his game... Did I know he was gonna be that? Nah. He did work hard though... Now seeing it, I'm not surprised... He came in small, once he figured out how to be able to get strong and take physicality, that's when his career changed." You can read more about Monta Ellis’s thoughts on Steph Curry and their time together in this detailed Sports Illustrated article.

Career Beyond Golden State

Monta Ellis moved on from the Warriors to play for the Milwaukee Bucks, then joined the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers. Despite never earning an All-Star selection, his stats and impact proved he was among the league’s most exciting guards. His ability to take over games and energize crowds kept him a fan favorite in every city he played.

For those interested in the numbers behind Ellis's career, the Sports Illustrated breakdown covers his journey and performance with each team.

Monta Ellis’s NBA Legacy

Though Ellis didn’t win championships or collect All-Star accolades, his style influenced a generation of guards. He played with heart and left an impression on teammates, like Curry, and on fans across the league. Today’s fast-paced, guard-driven NBA still echoes elements of Monta Ellis’s game.

Conclusion

Monta Ellis’s story reminds basketball fans of the beauty found in relentless effort and highlight-reel moments. He may never get the headlines that some of his peers enjoy, but his impact remains. Ellis will always be remembered as an electrifying guard who changed the pace—and face—of the NBA.