Ellis’ “ready for whatever” Kings role demanded of him this season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Kings guard Keon Ellis is ready for coach Mike Brown to use him in several ways during the 2024-25 NBA season.
Ellis, who started 21 games last season, embraces off-ball responsibilities — offensively and defensively — and understands his game will revolve around Kings stars De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan.
In Wednesday’s practice, the 24-year-old told reporters about his plug-and-play approach and his outlook on different lineups entering his third campaign.
“I think the game will still be played the same, regardless [of] who I’m out there with,” Ellis said (h/t “The Deuce & Mo Podcast”). “Most of the time, I think Domas or Fox will be out there, so those guys will do a lot of the initiative, the playmaking… I mean, I always play off guys anyway, so I don’t think it will. too much change, honestly.
“I’m ready for whatever I have to do anyway. So, I think I’ll be fine.”
Ellis split his time as a backup and starter last season.
In 21 beginsEllis averaged 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He averaged 3.5 points, 1.4 rebounds and one assist in 36 games as a reserve. Ellis averaged 17.2 minutes per game overall, a major step up after he averaged 4.4 as a rookie.
Some players would grow frustrated without a consistent spot in a rotation; however, Ellis is not at all and instead makes Brown’s day-to-day easier.
“It’s extremely valuable,” Brown said of Ellis’ willingness and versatility (h/t “The Deuce & Mo Podcast”). “He’s different from what we have in terms of his skill set. And you like the fact that you can throw him in the game.
“He can guard multiple guys on the perimeter, different types of players, especially guys who thrive in the pick-and-roll situation, and is also able to knock down an open catch and shoot a three. His deflection is off the charts. And then for a guy from his size, he’s also a pretty good rebounder.”
Ellis can knock down open threes and is comfortable defending the perimeter, two valuable traits in the modern NBA. Also, to Brown’s point, Ellis led the NBA last season with 3.7 deflections per game and was fourth in steals with 1.7.
Brown told reporters Tuesday that point guard Kevin Huerter — if given the green light — Ellis would probably start over in the Kings’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Ora 1 Center Thursday. That would mean Ellis would be in sweats to start games.
But Brown never worries about Ellis possibly being cold because of the two-way force’s trademark preparation.
“There’s a lot of good things we’re seeing from a young guy in Keon,” Brown said. “We love his readiness, because every time we call his number [in 2023-24] and threw him into the game, he seemed to have an impact in some way, shape or form.”
Ellis, Brown and the entire Kings organization may not know how the third-year guard will be used over Sacramento’s 82-game gauntlet. But they all know Ellis will be ready when his name is called.
