What Brown wants to see from Kings’ Ellis at NBA Summer League

What Brown wants to see from Kings’ Ellis at NBA Summer League originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Kings guard Keon Ellis continues his inspiring journey from an undrafted two-way player to a starter on an NBA team.

But as he hopes to turn his feel-good story into sustained success with Sacramento, Kings coach Mike Brown wants his young guard to take the next step during 2024 NBA Summer League.

Brown joined the NBA TV broadcast during Sacramento’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday in Las Vegas to detail what he specifically is looking for while watching Ellis this summer.

“First thing is, you got a young team,” Brown said (h/t Sactown1140’s Brenden Nunes). “You were kind of quiet when you played with [De’Aaron] Fox and [Domantas] Sabonis and Keegan [Murray] and [Harrison Barnes]. I said now is your time to shine as a leader. So try to figure out what it means to lead a young group. On top of that, the ball’s going to be in your hands. If you feel like you can go make a play, go make a play.

“[But] if he goes and makes a play and it’s the wrong play [during the regular season], he’s going to get looked at sideways, not only by me but those veterans on the floor. Different atmosphere [here]. Go have some fun. Have some freedom to find your game so you can have some carryover, hopefully, come training camp next year.”

Here’s Mike Brown’s full NBA TV interview from SL with notable quotes on the addition of DeRozan, reasons for their defensive improvement, Devin Carter, Keon Ellis’ development, and more.

On DeRozan: “To have a veteran guy that has seen a lot of defenses thrown at him… and… pic.twitter.com/inaJNI6lI1

— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) July 12, 2024

Following the season-ending injuries to Kings starting guards Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk, Ellis was thrust into Brown’s starting lineup in early March.

In 19 games (17 starts), the 24-year-old averaged 9.4 points on 49.2-percent shooting from the field and 45.9 percent from 3-point range, with 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals in 27.6 minutes.

His defensive prowess always has been there. He showed flashes of his offensive…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/brown-wants-see-kings-ellis-233541364.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-07-13 23:35:41

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