Dallas Mavericks: Could the Mavericks give a training camp invite to Monta Ellis?

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PORTLAND, OR – DECEMBER 7: Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Monta Ellis (11) celebrates his game winning shot at the buzzer with 1.9 second remaining during the Dallas Mavericks 108-106 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on December 7, 2013 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Elise/Getty Images) /

Can Monta still have it all for the Mavs?

Monta Ellis has to have the ball in his hands to be effective for a team. He is a high volume player, similar to Russell Westbrook in terms of style of play. During his prime, Ellis was one of the quicker combo guards in all of the league.

If Monta were to make the cut in training camp, I could picture a contract on the veteran minimum with playing time around 10 to 15 minutes per game. For the 2019-2020 season, the expected veteran minimum for a 10-year player and beyond is around $2.5 million. The attributes that would help the team would be slashing and attacking the basket as well as making cuts to the hoop off of the pick and roll.

Ellis would get nowhere near the minutes he used to get in a Mavericks uniform, but the reward is much higher than the risk, especially if it is a partially guaranteed contract. As of right now, the Mavericks are lacking in the department of a heavy iso game. Tim Hardaway Jr. is one of the only guards or small forwards that plays heavy one-on-one basketball. Ellis is notorious for his athletic ability and could offer energy, grit, and toughness off the bench.

Ellis would be a situational player at this point in time and would provide depth scoring with the second unit or taking the role as a 10th to 12th man. Monta has exceptional ball-handling skills and could also play the point guard in the positionless league of today. With more than three years that have passed since his rough exit from Dallas, bridges can be rebuilt if chosen to.

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With a couple more months before the start of training camp, Mavs fans could be in for a surprise if Dallas chooses to extend an invite. And if it doesn’t work out, then don’t be surprised if you see the 33-year-old Monta Ellis getting another shot in a uniform from a team that is willing to take a risk for NBA veteran experience.

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