After two years with the Dallas Mavericks, Monta Ellis has signed a new four-year deal with the Indiana Pacers worth $44 million. (Getty)
Former Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis has signed with the Indiana Pacers, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Marc Stein. It’s a four-year deal worth $44 million.
Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Ellis Is An Explosive Offensive Guard
Capable of playing either guard position, Ellis has the capability of lighting it up on the offensive end. He averaged 18.9 points and 4.8 assists per game last season. He isn’t a great shooter (28.5 percent from long range last season), but he knows how to get to the basket (5.0 attempts per game at the rim) and is solid from mid-range (43.8 percent from 15-19 feet).
Ellis can be a bit erratic at times, but he’s immensely talented and should provide an important offensive spark to the Pacers, who had the seventh-worst offensive rating in the NBA a season ago.
2. He Gets Lots of Steals
Ellis averaged 1.9 thefts per game last year, ranking him fifth in the NBA. His team defense, on the other hand, is more on the average side. In 2014-15, the Mavericks had a defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) of 103.4 when Ellis was on the court. It was slightly worse (104.4) when he was off it.
Even there are still concerns about his defense, having versatile defenders like George Hill and Paul George around him will certainly help.
3. The Mavericks Backcourt Continues to Thin
With Ellis gone, Wesley Matthews becomes an important target for the Dallas Mavericks. (Getty)
With Rajon Rondo also very likely to leave via free agency, the Mavs are left with only Devin Harris and Raymond Felton in their backcourt. Expect them to get very aggressive in the coming days, as players on their radar include Wesley Matthews and Jeremy Lin.
Matthews, a 3-point sharpshooter and tremendous defender, is obviously the highest priority for Dallas, but the Sacramento Kings are reportedly aggressively going after him.
4. Ellis Turned Down More Money From the Kings
Sources: Monta Ellis turned down more $ from Sacramento. Kings offered $48 million over 4 years
The tumultuous offseason in Sacramento continues. Amidst rumors of unrest between the coaching staff and front office, the Kings made a controversial trade late Wednesday when they shipped 2014 first-round pick Nik Stauskas and a first-round pick to clear cap space.
Now armed with cap space, Sacramento has struck out on its first target. This could get ugly.
5. Ellis Can Opt Out After 3 Years
(Getty)
Ellis’ contract has a player option for the fourth year, meaning he can leave for free agency at that point if he so desires.