The Sacramento Kings head coach, Mike Brown, praised shooting guard Keon Ellis for his impact after being inserted into the starting lineup for their home game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, March 12, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.
"He's got an uncanny ability to defend the pick and roll, to be a great weak-side help defender, strong-side help defender. He's really elusive and quick back to the ball. And what people don't realize is how long his arms are, and he's got a motor where he just keeps pursuing," the 54-year-old coach said.
Ellis was included in the starting lineup as a replacement for forward Keegan Murray, who was sidelined with an ankle sprain.
The 24-year-old had a productive evening, contributing seven points on 3-of-4 shooting, four rebounds, two assists, and three steals as the Kings secured a dominant 129-94 victory.
"He has a chance to be a special defender," Brown added about Ellis.
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Keon Ellis just received his first NBA contract
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Ellis signed a two-way contract with the Kings, allowing him to split his time between the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings.
Ellis' dedication and hard work eventually paid off when he earned his first-ever full-time NBA contract in February. He signed a guaranteed three-year deal with the Kings, although specific contract terms were not disclosed.
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