Entering his third year in the league, Keon Ellis never ceases to seduce Sacramento. So much so that he is seeking a starting place at position 2, despite competition from Malik Monk or Kevin Huerter, in order to accompany De'Aaron Fox in the backcourt Californian.
In the eyes of DeMar DeRozanthe 24-year-old full-back certainly has the qualities needed to join the starting five full-time. Kings. Particularly because he plays with the right mentality, and this is what earned him a guaranteed contract at the start of the year.
“ This kid is amazing » he complimentson the sidelines of training camp. “ I remember him last season, everything he did, especially in defense. But to be here now, with him, and to see how conscientious he is on defense, it's truly incredible. Same for the way he shoots. »
Essential for the team's defensive stability?
Having become De'Aaron Fox's favorite complement at the end of last season, with his profile as a big defender capable of shooting from afar, Keon Ellis necessarily reminds someone of DeMar DeRozan…
“ In fact, it reminds me of Alex Caruso » remarks the six-time All-Star. “ He's the kind of player you want on your team: he's tough, he gives his all, he does the dirty work and he struggles on defense. »
In the shadow of DeMar DeRozan and De'Aaron Fox, but also Domantas Sabonis, the contribution of Keon Ellis will be important in Sacramento, not known for its defense but not worried about it either, with the players already present in its workforce.
| Keon Ellis | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2022-23 | BAG | 16 | 4 | 43.8 | 50.0 | 57.1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 1.5 |
| 2023-24 | BAG | 57 | 17 | 46.1 | 41.7 | 74.3 | 0.6 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 5.4 |
| Total | 73 | 14 | 46.0 | 42.2 | 71.4 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 4.6 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
