8 replies to this topic

[Kam]

Yes, more Warrior news.

On a busy day for the Golden State Warriors, the team has re-signed restricted free-agent Monta Ellis to a six-year, $66-million deal.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have Monta under contract for the next several years," Warriors' VP of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin said. "He has been one of the top young players in the NBA for the last two years and enjoyed a tremendous season last year."

At only 22-years old, the Warriors hope to see continued growth for the 2006-07 Most Improved Player. Last season, he put together a career-high campaign, averaging 20.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.53 steals per game. He's come a long way since being drafted 40th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft, thriving under Don Nelson's uptempo system for the past two seasons.

"The growth that he has demonstrated at such a young age is incredible," Mullin added. "We look forward to him playing a big part in our future success."

http://www.hoopsworl...p?story_id=9589

Monta is a sure All-Star in my opinion. Good move by the Warriors! Watch this kid blow up next season with Baron gone.

[BringDFishBack]

The Golden State Warriors have found their replacement for All-Star point guard Baron Davis -- and they didn't have to look far. Thursday night, the Warriors signed Monta Ellis, their 22-year-old restricted free agent, to a six-year, $67 million contract.

Ellis is receiving one of the largest raises in NBA history. As the 40th player selected in the 2005 draft, Ellis was paid just $770,610 last season. He will earn $11 million in 2008-2009.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have Monta under contract for the next several years," Warriors vice president of basketball operations Chris Mullin told The Associated Press. "He has been one of the top young players in the NBA for the last two years and enjoyed a tremendous season last year. The growth that he has demonstrated at such a young age is incredible and we look forward to him playing a big part in our future success."

The 6-foot-3-inch Ellis averaged 20.2 points as the Warriors' starting shooting guard last season, but with Davis signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, he will be penciled in as Don Nelson's point guard on opening night.

"We are very pleased that Monta has been rewarded for his efforts on the court and his singular focus to be a great NBA player,'' Ellis' agent Jeff Fried said.

Golden State's plan is to start Ellis and Stephen Jackson in the backcourt, with free-agent signee Corey Maggette at small forward.

Ellis has become one of the league's most dynamic and efficient young guards. He shot a stunning 53.1 percent from the floor last season, ranking him 14th in the league overall and the highest among players shorter than 6-7.

Ellis, who is entering his fourth season, has career averages of 15.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

Earlier Thursday, the Warriors announced that shooting guard Kelenna Azubuike would return after the club matched the Clippers' three-year, $9 million offer sheet.

ESPN Article

He's a great player, but $11 mil?

[SaintNicholasVanExel]

Monta is a sure All-Star in my opinion. Good move by the Warriors! Watch this kid blow up next season with Baron gone.

That's the truth.

[Black Sheep]

11 million for Monta is a bargain in the warriors offense
but on any other team, that is overpaid

[Kam]

Year ↓ Team ↓ GP ↓ GS ↓ MPG ↓ FG% ↓ 3P% ↓ FT% ↓ RPG ↓ APG ↓ SPG ↓ BPG ↓ PPG ↓
2005–06 Golden State 49 3 18.1 .415 .341 .712 2.1 1.6 .6 .2 6.8
2006–07 Golden State 77 53 34.3 .475 .273 .763 3.2 4.1 1.7 .3 16.5
2007–08 Golden State 81 72 37.9 .531 .231 .767 5.0 3.9 1.5 .3 20.2
Career 207 128 31.9 .495 .285 .761 3.6 3.4 1.4 .2 15.7

Considering - 1. Age and 2. Upside, its not that bad of a deal.

This kid is top 4 in his draft class behind Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Andrew Bynum.

He's now being put in a starring role for his squad. Watch Monta flourish in the next couple seasons.

[L4L]

I think they can justify the dollar amount with Baron gone as others have said. Monta's usage will be up as will his minutes.

Is he worth the 11 million? He's a young player who has gotten better each and every single year. Remember, he was straight out of HS. He's not even close to peaking yet.

Solid move here by the Warriors. If Monta continues to improve, he will be playing for a steal of a price in a few years and stay at that price for another 2-3 more.

[SaintNicholasVanExel]

Anyone seen this:

[L4L]

^^ Well it certainly is innovative..