Keon Ellis Joins Nets: A Fresh Start
LAS VEGAS — For Keon Ellis, it was all about finding the right opportunity.
Signing with the Nets, a team desperate for defensive support, felt like a perfect match, especially since he would be reunited with coach Jordi Fernandez.
“I heard he really wanted me on the team,” Ellis mentioned, reflecting on his two seasons with the Kings when Fernandez was the associate head coach. “He’s passionate about coaching. He has the right mindset and wants to win. So, being familiar with him definitely helped.”
The Nets and Ellis struck a deal for two years at $18 million, complete with a mutual option for both sides.
Given the rapport between Ellis and Fernandez, along with the Nets’ need for his three-and-D skills, it seems likely this arrangement will be beneficial for everyone involved.
“The amount of money they’re offering says a lot about how much they want me,” Ellis said. “And let’s be real, having familiar faces on the staff makes things easier. Plus, there are opportunities here. Put it all together, and it just makes sense.”
In the NBA, finding players who can defend effectively while also being able to shoot is quite challenging. Ellis fits that mold well.
Last season, when he played for both the Kings and Cavaliers, Ellis excelled. His stats revealed he ranked in the 93rd percentile for steals (2.7), 95th for blocks (1.5), and he was in the 96th percentile for forcing turnovers (1.6) and deflections (6.4).
His stopping percentage placed him in the 98th percentile.
“It really comes down to effort. I want to be tough out there,” Ellis stated. “We’ll be facing the best players globally. Sure, they’ll score and find their spots, which may lead to poor defensive outings at times. But if we commit to doing the right thing and stick to our game plan, we can help each other achieve our goals.”
While he noted that he’s not claiming to be the best defender ever, he emphasized that team defense relies on everyone working in harmony. “I think if I lead by example, others will follow suit,” he added.
Just two seasons back, he was even more impressive, being the only player to rank in the top 10 for both steals (1.5) and three-point shooting percentage (.433).
However, he faced some challenges in recent seasons. Typically averaging 24 minutes during the regular season with a plus-4.5 net rating, his playoff experience was less than stellar. In 12 games with Cleveland, he averaged just seven minutes and posted a -15.9 net rating.
That said, the Nets seem to be in a rebuilding phase, and Ellis’s playoff struggles are likely not a pressing concern. Given the defensive challenges the team has faced, particularly with guard Drake Powell, who has struggled offensively in Summer League, it’s reasonable to assume Ellis will have a significant role.
Ellis believes he can tap back into his effective three-and-D form from two years ago.
“Consistency, that’s key. There were a lot of ups and downs before, and it was hard to gauge what was really happening,” he explained. “When everything is clear with established roles, it really helps.”
Excited to be settling in Brooklyn, Ellis did admit to experiencing some sticker shock.
“Finding a place to live is a challenge,” he chuckled. “You have to make compromises on space and price. But we’re eager to explore the city, check out the restaurants, and try the food. It sounds great, though it seems we might not have the biggest place!”
