The Golden State Warriors have been a relatively bad team for the last couple of years. Though they were able to make some noise in the playoffs from time to time (taking down #1 seed Dallas Mavericks, fresh off a Finals appearance in 2005, in 2006 in the first round), they have had more side stories than anything else. There was the "hot shooting" point guard Baron Davis. There was high-flying shooting guard Jason Richardson. There was the off-season acquistion of David Lee. Of course there was Don Nelson, looking to break the record for most wins by an NBA coach. But the biggest story for the Warriors is the development of Monta Ellis from 3-point shooter to potent star scorer.
The big story with Ellis is that he should be the first Golden State All-Star since Latrell Sprewell in the 1996-97 season. Monta Ellis was a second round draft pick straight from high school. Ellis was largely known as a quick 3-point shooter with poor shot selection, before sneaking into the conversation as one of the top scorers in the league. He was a silent threat because of the supposed star power of Baron Davis overshadowing the young Ellis. Ellis eventually burst onto the scene after his rookie season, taking home the Most Improved Player. He continued improving the next season, but his development was cut off after an injury. His immaturity showed when his injury was caused by a moped accident, something he hid from the Warriors. This led to a 30 game suspensions, which didn't matter due to his injury. He recuperated and picked up right where he left off.
This season, he is in the top 10 of scoring in the league, but he was snubbed from the All-Star team. Despite being a young, talented (if trigger-happy) shooter and scorer, he was passed over. There are great players in the West, but this is a great player and a star on the Warriors. He has somehow managed to maintain his scoring despite having a similar caliber player (Stephen Curry) on the roster. Ellis deserved an All-Star position. But he has nothing to worry about because he will be on the All-Star roster soon enough.
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