Gregg Doyel of the Indianapolis star thinks it's a high time for the Indiana Pacers to look for teams interested in veteran shooting guard Monta Ellis, who is having the worst statistical season since his rookie year.
In the summer of 2015, Pacers general manager Larry Bird signed Ellis to a four-year, $48MM deal, making him the marquee free-agent for the ballclub that year.
But after just one-and-half seasons, the 31-year old Ellis is playing below expectations, shooting 43.3 percent from the field (30 percent from the three-point line) while averaging 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 31.4 minutes per game.
Following the Pacers' lopsided win over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday (a game where Ellis sat out with an injury), Doyel is more than convinced the Pacers need to move Ellis now with the trade season looming.
"So this is what the Indiana Pacers look like without Monta Ellis. They look like a defensive bully. Like an efficient, ball-moving offense. Like a group that just demolished one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
This 110-94 blowout of the Charlotte Hornets was just one game, but it was the one game - it was the one lineup change - Pacers fans have been clamoring to see. They've been clamoring to see less Monta Ellis, more Glenn Robinson III. Or more Rodney Stuckey. More C.J. Miles. More anybody, so long as it means less Monta Ellis.."
Doyel pointed out Ellis' ball-dominant playing style is hurting the Pacers, who already have plenty of ball-dominant players like Paul George, Jeff Teague and Myles Turner. Another reason why the Pacers would just be fine without Ellis is the emergence of Glenn Robinson III.
Robinson has a solid all-around game Monday, recording 3 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks without turning the ball.
Possible takers for Ellis are teams looking for some scoring punch off the bench. The Orlando Magic has been trying to land a scorer through trades, but to no avail. The NBA trade season will officially start Thursday on Dec. 15, when newly-signed players are eligible for trade.
