Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Monta Ellis

How Monta Ellis built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Monta Ellis is a retired American professional basketball player. He skipped college to enter the NBA, where the Golden State Warriors drafted him in 2005. Known for his scoring ability, Ellis earned the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2007. He demonstrated his offensive prowess throughout his career, twice nearing an average of 25 points per game.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1999: First time Nowitzki led Mavericks

In 1999, this was the first season Nowitzki led the Mavericks.

2000: Nowitzki led Mavericks

In 2000, Nowitzki led the Mavericks.

2005: Drafted by Golden State Warriors

In 2005, Monta Ellis was drafted as the 40th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors, entering the NBA directly out of high school.

2005: Led Lanier to State Crown

In 2005, as a senior, Monta Ellis led Lanier High School to its second state championship in four years, averaging 38.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 4.5 steals per game. He was also named 2005 EA SPORTS National Player of the Year and Parade co-Player of the Year.

April 19, 2006: Season-High 27 Points

On April 19, 2006, Monta Ellis scored a season-high 27 points in a game against the Utah Jazz.

2006: Increased Scoring in NBA

In 2006, Monta Ellis increased his scoring by 9.7 points from his rookie season, marking the largest increase in the NBA.

March 17, 2007: Career-High Steals

On March 17, 2007, Monta Ellis recorded a career-high six steals against the Seattle SuperSonics.

2007: Averaged Career High

In 2007, Monta Ellis averaged a career-high 20.2 points.

2007: Named NBA Most Improved Player

In 2007, Monta Ellis was named the NBA Most Improved Player.

2007: First Playoff Appearance

In the 2012-2013 season Monta Ellis made his first playoff appearance since 2007.

July 24, 2008: Re-signed with the Warriors

On July 24, 2008, Monta Ellis re-signed with the Golden State Warriors to a six-year, $66 million contract.

2008: Sidelined due to injury

In August of 2008, Monta Ellis was sidelined after suffering a Grade 3 high ankle sprain, a torn deltoid ligament and a syndesmosis disruption of his left ankle that required surgery after a motorized scooter accident. He was then suspended by the Warriors for 30 games without pay.

January 23, 2009: Season Debut

On January 23, 2009, Monta Ellis made his season debut after recovering from an ankle injury, scoring 20 points in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

November 25, 2009: Scored 42 Points

On November 25, 2009, Monta Ellis scored 42 points in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

October 27, 2010: Matched Career High

On October 27, 2010, in the Warriors' season opener, Monta Ellis matched his career high with 46 points in a win over the Houston Rockets.

March 4, 2011: Scored 41 points

On March 4, 2011, Monta Ellis scored 41 points, 28 of them in the second half, during the Warriors' loss to the Boston Celtics.

2011: Ellis and Curry became a lethal duo

During the 2010-2011 season Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry became one of the most lethal duos in the NBA.

March 13, 2012: Traded to Milwaukee Bucks

On March 13, 2012, Monta Ellis was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks along with Kwame Brown and Ekpe Udoh.

March 2012: Traded to Milwaukee Bucks

In March 2012, Monta Ellis was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks after playing six and a half seasons with the Golden State Warriors.

2012: Started in All 82 Games

During the 2012-13 season, Monta Ellis started in all 82 games for the Milwaukee Bucks.

July 23, 2013: Signed with Dallas Mavericks

On July 23, 2013, Monta Ellis signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

October 30, 2013: Mavericks Debut

On October 30, 2013, Monta Ellis debuted for the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 32 points in a win over the Atlanta Hawks.

April 12, 2014: Matched Season High

On April 12, 2014, Monta Ellis matched his season high with 37 points in a win over the Phoenix Suns.

December 2, 2014: Scored 38 Points

On December 2, 2014, Monta Ellis scored 38 points in a win over the Chicago Bulls.

March 24, 2015: Matched Season High

On March 24, 2015, Monta Ellis matched his season high with 38 points in a win over the Spurs.

June 24, 2015: Declined Option, Became Free Agent

On June 24, 2015, Monta Ellis declined the option for the final year of his contract with the Mavericks, becoming a free agent and underwent minor knee surgery.

July 14, 2015: Signed with Indiana Pacers

On July 14, 2015, Monta Ellis signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Indiana Pacers.

January 10, 2016: Season-High Assists

On January 10, 2016, Monta Ellis had a season-high 13 assists in a loss to the Houston Rockets.

October 26, 2016: Season Opener Win

On October 26, 2016, in the Pacers' season opener, Monta Ellis recorded 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals in a win over the Dallas Mavericks.