Will Monta Zoom Elsewhere After Draft?

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Rumors, NBA Trades

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Last Summer Monta Ellis signed a long-term big money deal with the Golden State Warriors and then injured himself in a moped accident. This Summer Ellis might be hopping on that moped and heading out of the Bay Area. The “San Jose Mercury News” is reporting that Ellis met with Warriors coach Don Nelson and new General Manager Larry Riley in Atlanta to clear the air and try to get a fresh start for all involved.

Ellis underwent surgery after tearing a deltoid ligament in his left ankle, he also suffered a severe sprain of the ankle in a moped accident last Summer. He had originally claimed that he hurt himself in a pick-up game in his hometown of Jackson, Mississippi. Suspicion surfaced that Ellis may have hurt himself in a non-basketball incident not long after he was hurt. Contusions on his leg were not consistent with an accident that occurred on the hardwood.

The guard signed a deal with the Warriors earlier last Summer for a reported six years and $66 million. He was expected to fill the role of departed starting point guard Baron Davis in the 2008-2009 season. Ellis was going to use training camp to get better acclimated to being a point, after being primarily a shooting guard in the Association.

The accident set up a schism within the Warriors organization with Team Owner Chris Cohan and Team President Robert Rowell on one side and General Manager Chris Mullin and head coach Don Nelson on the other. Rowell acting on Cohan’s wishes suspended Ellis 30 games without pay last October.

Mullin and Nelson were vehemently against the suspension. Rowell talking to reporters on the announcement said “Chris Mullin made it perfectly clear to both Mr. Cohan and myself that he didn’t think this was a big deal at the beginning, and we happen to think it’s a very big deal. We happen to think that it’s a big deal for our fans, it’s a big deal for our season ticket-holders, it’s a big deal for our business partners, it’s a big deal for the Warriors organization.”

Mullin and Nelson were of the mind-set that the suspension may have alienated a player that they were looking at as a core piece for the next six years. Cohan’s thoughts were that Ellis should have realized the ramifications of his actions, before he violated his contract. The subsequent lying about the incident, only hardened the Team Owner’s decision that Ellis must be punished. Mullin left the Warriors at the conclusion of the season.

During the meeting Ellis made it clear to Riley and Nelson that he would not be pleased if the Warriors were to take a point guard with their Lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft according to reports. The pair were reported to have assured him that they would not. However what it really means is if Golden State does draft a point guard Ellis would most likely be dealt to another team. Considering all the bad blood between the parties it may be the best move for all concerned if a deal is struck.

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One Response to “Will Monta Zoom Elsewhere After Draft?”

Greg on June 18th, 2009 10:50 am

I loved this team 2 yrs ago. Last year they were a mess. Monte had some great talent but I do not see him as a PG. He was best when Baron was there as the PG and he was the SG. Monte was the first two I have seen elevate to the rim since Allen Iverson in his prime. He reminds me a bit of a young AI w.o as much baggage. What I would do to have Monte in Philly (I know it’s a pet dream). The best thing for Monte would be to go somewhere else…..hint, hint, PHX SUNS!

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