Ellis chipped in 33 points (9-17 FG, 9-15 3Pt, 6-7 FT), six rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal across 33 minutes during Monday's 109-108 loss to the Hawks.
Ellis pulverized his previous career-high scoring mark and looked impressive off the bench in this game despite the fact the Kings suffered a one-point defeat. This performance came out of nowhere, though, as Ellis was averaging just 5.9 points per game since the beginning of November entering Monday's eight-game slate. Ellis' increased offensive activity can likely be attributed to the absences of DeMar DeRozan (back) and Domantas Sabonis (back).
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Plays 28 minutes off bench
Rotowire
Ellis posted six points (2-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), one rebound, one block and one steal across 28 minutes during Sunday's 127-118 overtime win over the Suns.
With Malik Monk (ankle) leaving the contest early, Ellis saw an increased role off the bench but failed to capitalize. The defensive-minded guard can rack up steals quickly but has a limited offensive upside.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Makes impact defensively
Rotowire
Ellis posted seven points (3-6 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 0-1 FT), three rebounds, two assists and three steals over 29 minutes during Monday's 111-110 victory over the Heat.
With Kevin Huerter (illness) sidelined, Doug McDermott surprisingly started Saturday's game against the Raptors, but Ellis got his chance Monday. Ellis' defensive work has always been stellar, but his offensive upside remains limited due to an inconsistent shot. Given Huerter is expected to return soon, Ellis' stay in the starting lineup likely won't last long.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Starting Monday
Rotowire
Ellis is in the Kings' starting lineup for Monday's game against the Heat, Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee reports.
Ellis will make his first start of the 2024-25 regular season Monday as he takes Doug McDermott's spot in the starting five. Early in the season, Ellis is averaging 6.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals over 17.8 minutes per contest.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Efficient scoring in win
Rotowire
Ellis had 12 points (4-5 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), one rebound, two assists and one block across 19 minutes during Friday's 123-115 victory over the Hawks.
Ellis had his best scoring output of the season during Friday's win. The 24-year-old guard is averaging 5.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks in 15.5 minutes across his first four appearances in 2024-25. With Kevin Huerter (illness) out against Toronto on Saturday, Ellis could slide into the starting five.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Entering camp as starting SG
Rotowire
Coach Mike Brown said Tuesday that Ellis will enter training camp as the Kings' starting two-guard, though the team will explore its options when Kevin Huerter (shoulder) returns from injury, Frankie Cartoscelli of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.
Ellis saw an uptick in minutes and production during his second year with the club, during which he averaged 5.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 steals across 17.2 minutes per game in 57 appearances (23 starts). The 24-year-old missed significant time due to an ankle injury and carved out an inconsistent role in his return. However, as the season progressed the guard became a mainstay in the starting five. Malik Monk seems to be content with a role as the Kings' sixth man, meaning Ellis will have an opportunity to prove he is worth the starting role -- at least until Huerter returns.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Drops 30 points in Summer League
Rotowire
Ellis tallied 30 points (12-21 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 2-3 FT), four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block over 33 minutes in Wednesday's 91-90 loss to the Warriors in the California Classic.
Ellis closed the 2023-24 season in the starting lineup for Sacramento, but the Kings opted to give Ellis more time to refine his game in the Summer League. Over three games in the California Classic, Ellis averaged 20.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists over 29.0 minutes.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Shines bright in victory
Rotowire
Ellis recorded 15 points (5-8 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, five assists, three blocks and three steals in 39 minutes during Tuesday's 118-94 Play-In Game victory over the Warriors.
Ellis continued his improbable rise Tuesday, helping the Kings to a comfortable victory over the Warriors. He has been a revelation on the defensive end for Sacramento, highlighted once again by his six combined steals and blocks. They will now face the Pelicans in a do-or-die contest with a spot in the playoffs up for grabs.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Pours in 26 points
Rotowire
Ellis registered 26 points (9-17 FG, 8-15 3Pt), six rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals across 36 minutes during Tuesday's 112-105 loss to Oklahoma City.
With 26 points on the night, Ellis easily set a new career-best mark. He's been a remarkable story for the Kings, and he's stepping up admirably in the absence of Malik Monk (knee) and Kevin Huerter (shoulder). Over his last 10 games, Ellis has averaged 10.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Rough night Friday
Rotowire
Ellis finished Friday's 101-100 loss to the Celtics with three points (1-3 FG, 1-1 3Pt), four rebounds and two assists across 17 minutes.
Ellis was a disaster in the loss, managing just 17 minutes despite continuing to start. Although his role remains relatively consistent, the same cannot be said for his production. He is worth considering given the path to minutes but at this point, his lack of upside makes him a tough player to hold.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Redeeming line in starting lineup
Rotowire
Ellis closed Friday's 107-103 loss to the Mavericks with 16 points (5-12 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, one assist and three steals in 38 minutes.
Malik Monk (knee) was forced out of the game in the first quarter, so Eliis had to deal without much bench support. The result was a season-high 38 minutes on the floor, an encouraging sign considering Kevin Huerter's (shoulder) season-ending injury. Ellis could be the answer as a fill-in if he can stay consistent, although a larger sample size is needed to consider him in fantasy formats.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Back to bench
Rotowire
Ellis will move to the bench for Saturday's game against the Knicks, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reports.
Kevin Huerter (leg) is back in the lineup after missing Wednesday's game against the Lakers. Ellis fared well in that game, scoring 14 points with two rebounds, one block, three steals and three triples in 28 minutes.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Plays well in start
Rotowire
Ellis posted 14 points (5-8 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds, one block and three steals in 28 minutes during Wednesday's 120-107 win over the Lakers.
Ellis finished with a plus-6 net rating during his time on the court, which was the worst mark among Sacramento's starters, but he was efficient and active defensively in Wednesday's victory. Kevin Huerter (leg) was sidelined Wednesday, and Ellis' play likely secured a starting spot Saturday against the Knicks if Huerter is inactive again.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Starting Friday
Rotowire
Ellis is starting Friday's game against Minnesota, Alan Horton of the Timberwolves Radio Network reports.
De'Aaron Fox (knee) is sitting out Friday, but the Kings are hoping to have him back in the lineup for Monday against Chicago. Davion Mitchell will move to the bench after an uninspiring effort in his last outing.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Inks deal with Sacramento
Rotowire
Ellis agreed to a three-year contract with the Kings Friday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
Ellis was in the midst of his second season on a two-way deal with Sacramento, but he'll now get a spot on the 15-man roster after the Kings had an opening in the aftermath of Thursday's trade deadline. The 23-year-old guard is averaging 3.8 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 11.9 minutes across 29 appearances in 2023-24, but he's largely been out of the rotation since late December while Davion Mitchell has settled back in as the primary backup to De'Aaron Fox.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Efficient shooter in win
Rotowire
Ellis had 17 points (6-8 FG, 5-7 3Pt), six rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal across 28 minutes during Thursday's 128-123 win over the Thunder.
Ellis thrived off the bench and made his presence felt on both ends of the court, though his scoring figures certainly stood out. This 17-point output represented a season-high mark for the former Alabama standout, but he's scored in double digits just three times throughout the campaign. Chances are this was an outlier rather than a sign of things to come in the future for Ellis.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Small role in return
Rotowire
Ellis (ankle) played 5:35 in Tuesday's 124-123 win over the Warriors, finishing with three points (1-2 FG, 1-2 3Pt).
Ellis was back in action after a three-game absence, but he handled only a sparse role off the bench while the Kings leaned heavily on starting point guard De'Aaron Fox (40 minutes). Barring Fox missing time again due to an injury, Ellis isn't likely to see his playing time pick up dramatically anytime soon.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Questionable for Tuesday
Rotowire
Ellis (ankle) is questionable to play Tuesday against Golden State.
Ellis is at risk of missing his fourth consecutive game Tuesday due to a left ankle sprain, although Sacramento coming off three full days of rest works in his favor. If Ellis can't suit up, Malik Monk will have increased combo guard duties. Chris Duarte has logged back-to-back games with 20-plus minutes as well.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Dealing with ankle sprain
Rotowire
Ellis has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Pelicans due to a left ankle sprain.
Ellis has surpassed Davion Mitchell as the top backup behind De'Aaron Fox, but the Alabama product appears to have sprained his ankle during Sunday's win over the Mavericks. Sacramento may just be exercising precaution during a back-to-back, so Ellis can be considered day-to-day, with his next chance to suit up coming Wednesday in a rematch versus New Orleans. In Ellis' absence, Mitchell figures to operate as the primary backup point guard, but if Kevin Huerter (finger) and Sasha Vezenkov (thumb) join Ellis on the sideline, Malik Monk and Chris Duarte would presumably handle increased usage as well.
... See More... See Less
Kings' Keon Ellis: Back to bench
Rotowire
Ellis isn't starting Monday's game against the Cavaliers, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.
Ellis will go back to a bench role with De'Aaron Fox returning from an ankle injury. Ellis started his team's last two contests, averaging 6.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists,1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks in 26.0 minutes.
