After a disappointing 46-win season with no playoff appearances, the Sacramento Kings approach the 2024-25 season with their heads held high.
The acquisition of DeMar DeRozan and internal improvements should light a spark with this Kings team and lead to a better playoff opportunity.
The Kings are led by De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and veteran DeMar DeRozan, but it takes more than three guys to lead a team to the next level. Grant Hughes Bleacher Report lists each NBA team’s biggest “X-Factor” for the 2024-25 season, naming Keon Ellis as Sacramento’s most important role player.
Ellis, 24, went undrafted in 2022 before being drafted by the Kings to play with their G League affiliate in Stockton. Ellis played in the development league, earning a two-way roster spot with the Kings and eventually earning a standard contract last season.
In 21 starts last season, Ellis averaged 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 assists per game. His defensive intensity was a game-changer for Sacramento, taking them from an average defensive team to one of the best in the league.
Over 6 minutes of defense from Keon Ellis this season. A true defensive talent – he does it both on and off the ball. He carried Sacramento’s defense until the end. pic.twitter.com/CZNY8BJYZG
–Skyler (KFR) (@SacFilmRoom) May 19, 2024
Most of the NBA media has discredited Sacramento’s defense over the past two seasons, but the improvements from Ellis, Keegan Murray and even De’Aaron Fox have been incredible.
Once promoted to the starting lineup, Ellis took on the responsibility of defending the opposing team’s top guard, which led to plenty of impressive outings for the sophomore guard.
Everyone knows Ellis’ defensive presence, but his offensive game has been improving game by game. Last season, Ellis shot 41.7 percent from three-point range, including a career-high 26 points on eight three-pointers made against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Ellis’ defense will be key for the Kings next season and he has done more than enough to prove himself as a starter in this league. While Mike Brown may lean toward Kevin Huerter or Malik Monk to start next season, Ellis would be a perfect fit next to Fox in the starting backcourt.
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