Back in the summer of 2017, the Indiana Pacers waived Monta Ellis, effectively bringing his NBA career to a close. Now at 35, over four years later since he was released, the once electric shooting guard seems to be eyeing another shot in professional basketball.
In an exclusive interview with Alder Almo of Empire Sports Media, Ellis revealed that he’s doing his best to work his way back to the league. He claimed that he still has plenty left in the tank to be a productive player for the next few years.
“I believe I still have a lot in my tank,” Ellis told Almo this week. “I can still play five years. …My main thing is, just bring me in and give me a look. Like, you could make the decision on me. I just want a shot.”
NBA fans that remember Ellis’ playing days will recall that he was one of the best scorers in the league during the late 2000’s and early 2010’s. The peak of his career came during the 2009-10 season, when he poured in 25.5 points per game, ranking sixth in the league that year with the Golden State Warriors.
Because many saw Ellis tear up opposing defenses within the last decade, there was a fair amount of optimism about him finding his way back to the NBA at the age of 35. However, a few others don’t seem as interested in watching the shooting guard try to return to the league.
All Monta Ellis wanted is a shot. He’s willing to work his way back to the #NBA. Here’s an excerpt of my interview with him. Check out my story on his latest attempt at NBA comeback.⤵️ https://t.co/2PxqHAK98V pic.twitter.com/hce4HWvOrb
— alder almo (@alderalmo) August 10, 2021
Monta Ellis is attempting an NBA comeback
“I believe I still have a lot in my tank. I can still play five years. …My main thing is, just bring me in and give me a look. Like you could make the decision on me. I just want a shot.”
(Via @alderalmo) pic.twitter.com/D2prl9nhJH
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) August 11, 2021
The world needs the Monta Ellis comeback so these two can run it back. pic.twitter.com/FQ2W4nmFk7
— Micah Adams (@MicahAdams13) August 11, 2021
Shouldn’t have never been out.. But that’s the game I guess. https://t.co/jpvdmtsGmu
— D’Courtland Christian (DC) (@Dcrealspill) August 11, 2021
*35 year old Monta Ellis is attempting an NBA comeback* pic.twitter.com/yYmLthJ9wK
— Off the Glass (@otgbasketball) August 11, 2021
If Monta Ellis makes an NBA comeback Ima go crazy 😭
— Janaé Adams (@janaenadams) August 11, 2021
Ellis, who began his career with the Warriors back in 2005, had no problem scoring in bunches when he was in the league. In fact, he averaged 17.8 points per game in 833 games played over 13 years. However, there are a few limitations to the shooting guard’s game that may prevent him from getting serious looks in 2021.
For one, Ellis struggled on the defense for much of his time in the NBA. The former second round pick was undersized throughout his career and age certainly won’t have helped him in that department. He may not be a liability on the defensive end, but he’d be hard-pressed to go up against the league’s best two-guards in today’s game.
Another aspect of Ellis’s playing style that wouldn’t translate to 2021 is his below-average three-point shooting. He shot just 31.4 percent during his earlier career, which wouldn’t make him that appealing to today’s contenders. Ellis was once one of the best at getting to the rim, but seemed to lack the same explosiveness during his final two years with the Pacers.
Although Ellis might have some skills that he would need to improve upon to make a comeback, it’s not entirely out of the question. So long as he’s healthy and shows that he’s willing to take on a bench role, he may be able to earn one last shot with a team looking for instant offense.
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