Monta Ellis appears to be promising in his attempt to make an NBA return but a reunion with the Milwaukee Bucks will not be his best option.
Just when Monta Ellis thought he is set to become a key figure in the Golden State Warriors squad in 2012, the team decided to trade him to the Milwaukee Bucks for Andrew Bogut.
The said trade “hurt” Ellis as he felt betrayed by the team he was willing to ride with at the time.
“Heartbreaking,” Ellis said about his infamous trade to the Bucks. “It was the turning point of my career because I felt like I was owed the opportunity to know what was happening.”
Despite being dejected, the former Most Improved Player of the Year didn’t let the drama intertwine with his game. In Milwaukee, Ellis became one of the top performers.
He played a total of 103 games with and averaged an impressive 19 points per game on a .419/.284/.771 shooting percentage.
However, as Ellis eye an NBA comeback, it is becoming more and more apparent that he is unlikely to be considered by the Bucks.
The scoring guard has sworn that he can still ball but even if it’s true, the reigning NBA champions might not gamble on a veteran player at the expense of one of their youngsters.
Looking at the current Bucks squad, the team is stacked with versatile guards such as Jrue Holiday, Pat Connaughton and the newcomer Elijah Bryant.
As it stands, the only way Ellis could join a championship team like the Bucks is if he will be open to playing the role of a reserve.
However, the 35-year-old’s recent comments speak highly of what he is expecting for his NBA return.
“I believe I still have a lot in my tank,” Ellis told NBC Sports on a Zoom call last month. “I can still play five years.”
“My main thing is, just bring me in and give me a look,” he added. “Like you could make the decision on me. I just want a shot. I ain’t asking for a contract to get $5 million, $10 million, or even $1 million. All I’m asking is give me a look. That’s all and let my game speak for itself. I just want an opportunity, a workout, and that’s not the end of the world, that’s not gonna hurt anybody.”
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