More than four years have passed since Monta Ellis played in last NBA game, coming with the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2017 playoffs. Still, the former Warriors fan favorite is staying in shape in Dallas on the slim chance he can return to the NBA.
Ellis, 36, discussed his NBA aspirations during a lengthy and fun interview with 95.7 The Game’s “Steiny & Guru” Friday, where he also discussed his relationship with Steph Curry and how he laughed when Warriors owner Joe Lacob was booed in 2012. You can listen to the full interview below:
When asked if he’d consider joining many other ex-NBA players in the 3-on-3 Big 3 League, Ellis demurred.
“At this stage of my career right now, it’s like a one-chance opportunity,” Ellis said. “I don’t want a one-chance with trying to go play overseas or play Big 3 and something crazy happens on knocking my chances. I’d rather get that chance, if that opportunity and something happens and presents itself, then I can live with that, versus trying to go the other route. Like I said, if it don’t happen, it don’t happen.”
Ellis even joked with 95.7 hosts Matt Steinmetz and Daryle “The Guru” Johnson to get Lacob to offer him a contract.
“I love the Bay Area,” Ellis said. “I know they love me, too. Y’all go in there and tell Joe Lacob, man, go and get me a contract or something, man. I wanna retire as a Warriors. I can go out there and give ‘em 10-15 buckets.”
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Monta played six-plus years with Golden State (2005-12) during his NBA career that spanned 12 seasons. Ellis even got a Warriors logo tattoo during his time in Oakland and said he doesn’t regret it.
“That’s always going to be on my body,” Ellis said. “That’s second home.”
Ellis averaged 19.6 points during his 413 games in a Warriors uniform and endeared himself to fans with an exciting, fast-paced style of play. While it seems very unlikely the Warriors would take a flier on the aging Ellis, it’s cool to hear he still has a lot of love for the franchise.
“That was the best days of my career,” Ellis said. “Then when I came to Dallas, Dallas kinda made me feel like Golden State in a sense. But Golden State always going to be forever, second home. I really enjoyed it there. I gave it my all there. I left everything on the table with them.”
