“Behind the Scenes: Ellis Prepares for an Unpredictable Season with the Kings – What Role Will He Embrace?”

As the Sacramento Kings gear up for the 2024-25 NBA season, all eyes are on Keon Ellis, a young guard who has shown remarkable adaptability on the court. After a solid second season where he shared time between starting and coming off the bench, Ellis is ready to embrace whatever role Coach Mike Brown has in mind for him this year. Whether it’s locking down defensively against top scorers or contributing to the offense when called upon, he’s confident that his skill set will complement the Kings’ core players, including sensations like De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. In a recent practice, Ellis articulated his mindset about remaining flexible amidst the shifting dynamics of team lineups. His willingness to step up, regardless of his position, underscores a key trait that can strengthen the team’s performance throughout the grueling 82-game season. It’s this readiness and versatility that have drawn admiration from both teammates and coaches alike. Diverting the pressure of roster changes, Ellis is focused, determined, and excited for the challenges ahead—sure to make a notable impact on the court. Want to dive deeper into Ellis’s journey and the Kings’ strategy? LEARN MORE.

At Wednesday’s practice, the 24-year-old told reporters about his plug-and-play approach and his outlook on different lineups entering his third campaign.Ellis can knock down open triples and comfortably defend the perimeter, two valuable traits in the modern NBA. Also, to Brown’s point, Ellis led the NBA last season with 3.7 deflections per game and was fourth in steals with 1.7.Kings guard Keon Ellis is prepared for coach Mike Brown to use him in multiple ways throughout the 2024-25 NBA season.“There are a lot of good things that we see from a young guy in Keon,” Brown said. “We love his readiness, because every time we called his number [in 2023-24] and threw him in the game, he seemed to have an impact in some way, shape or form.”Ellis split his time as a reserve and starter last season.“I think the game will still be played the same way, regardless [of] who I’m out there with,” Ellis said (h/t “The Deuce & Mo Podcast”). “Most of the time, I think Domas or Fox will be out there, so those guys will do a lot of the initiating, the playmaking… I mean, I always play off of guys anyway, so I don’t think there will be too much of a shift, honestly.Ellis, who started 21 games last season, embraces off-ball responsibilities — offensively and defensively — and understands his game will revolve around Kings stars De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan.In 21 starts, Ellis averaged 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He averaged 3.5 points, 1.4 rebounds and one assist in 36 games as a reserve. Ellis averaged 17.2 minutes per game overall, a major stride after he averaged 4.4 as a rookie.But Brown never is worried about Ellis potentially being cold because of the two-way force’s trademark preparation.“It’s extremely valuable,” Brown said about Ellis’ willingness and versatility (h/t “The Deuce & Mo Podcast”). “He’s different than what we have, in terms of his skill set. And you like the fact that you can throw him into the game.Ellis, Brown and the entire Kings organization might not know how the third-year guard will be used over Sacramento’s 82-game gauntlet. But they all know Ellis will be ready when his name is called.Download and follow The Deuce & Mo Podcast“He can guard multiple guys on the perimeter, different types of players, especially guys that thrive in the pick-and-roll situation, while also being able to knock down an open catch-and-shoot three. His deflection rate is off the charts. And then for a guy his size, he’s a pretty good rebounder, too.”“I’m ready for whatever I’ll have to do anyway. So, I think I’ll be fine.”Brown told reporters Tuesday that fellow Sacramento guard Kevin Huerter — if given the green light — likely would start over Ellis in the Kings’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden 1 Center on Thursday. That would mean Ellis would be in sweats to start games.Ellis ‘ready for whatever’ Kings role required of him this season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay AreaSome players would grow frustrated without a consistent spot in a rotation; however, Ellis isn’t at all and instead makes Brown’s day-to-day easier.