Monta Ellis Gets P-A-I-D
If ever there was any doubt as to who the main man - now that Baron Davis is out of the picture - in Golden State is, the Warriors have put an end to all of that.
Monta Ellis has just gotten one of the largest pay raises in League history; the 22-year old guard went from making just under $800 K per season to $11 million a year.
The Mercury News has the details:
The Warriors locked up their franchise player for at least the next five years when restricted-free-agent guard Monta Ellis signed a six-year, $66 million deal.
“He stated to me right away that his strong preference was to play for the Bay Area fans,” Ellis’ agent, Jeff Fried, said. “Obviously, you have to factor in the economics. But this is where he wanted to be.”
Monta has the money and the status, now what? As the great philosopher Peter Parker often said, with great power comes great responsibility. Or in Monta’s case, great pressure to deliver the goods.
The Warriors have made it clear that they will go only as far as Ellis can take them, and in the loaded Western Conference, it doesn’t appear as though they’ll get very far anytime soon. That’s a lot to handle for a 22-year old. Best of luck to you, young man.
95 Responses to “Monta Ellis Gets P-A-I-D”
Jul.25 at 9:01 am
Benoit Benjamin says:
Sorry but it was Peter Parker’s Grandfather who said that. Check your sources, buddy.
Jul.25 at 9:02 am
ericmontross says:
uno
Jul.25 at 9:03 am
Benoit Benjamin says:
Or uncle. The old fart that dies. Who cares.
Jul.25 at 9:03 am
Mendel says:
First, I think he will be well worth the money, he’s game is pretty prime tyme
Jul.25 at 9:06 am
Eazy-Yi says:
I’ll save you Mary Jane!
Jul.25 at 9:18 am
canada says:
He’s not your buddy, friend
Jul.25 at 9:18 am
Hursty says:
PEN*S! 6th.
Jul.25 at 9:25 am
Hursty says:
He deserves that cash and he’ll be worth all that and more in the next few years, by comparison I feel as though the Warriors will have got him cheap when his contract has finished.
Jul.25 at 9:28 am
Jukai says:
He really should go to Europe.
Jul.25 at 9:29 am
Jukai says:
Also, the great philosopher Ben Parker, the deceased. Not Peter Parker. He’s a photographer.
Jul.25 at 9:31 am
trick says:
why would he do that?? other than to say “ooh look at me, i’m sulking because im not gettin paid so im going somewhere else, boo hoo”??? Huh??
Jul.25 at 9:32 am
Co Co says:
Trick, meet sarcasm………
Jul.25 at 9:48 am
TADOne says:
Sarcasm has died. Time of death: 9:31 am, July 25th, 2008.
Jul.25 at 9:50 am
Hursty says:
sllooooww day…. how do basketballs bounce? Do you work hard on maintaining your height? Whats missing from C H * * C H? U R…. damn….
Jul.25 at 9:52 am
Hursty says:
Is it in the morgue yet TAD? Or just in the ambulance?
Jul.25 at 9:54 am
Hursty says:
Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music. Life is not measured by how many breaths you take - but by how many times it is taken away.
Jul.25 at 9:58 am
floe says:
if i had that kind of a payday i’d stop coming to this stupid place and wasting my time and hire someone to read out all the slam articles for me.
Jul.25 at 9:59 am
floe says:
minus the p*nis comments!
Jul.25 at 10:00 am
Hursty says:
that would take even longer floe.
Jul.25 at 10:01 am
Hursty says:
Desiderata Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Jul.25 at 10:01 am
floe says:
like seriously, what up with the random p*nis posts ? i don’t get it
Jul.25 at 10:01 am
Ken says:
That’s way too much money for an undersized scoring guard. If I were a Warriors fan, I’d be really pissed at management this summer. Lost Baron, didn’t get Brand, overpaid Monta, still no real big man…oy. Warriors are going nowhere fast.
Jul.25 at 10:02 am
Hursty says:
I really like Desiderata. Its my favourite prose poem. I’ll stop now.
Jul.25 at 10:03 am
Squirrel7 says:
Is Monta really worth $11 million per season? I’d say no, but I guess he is pretty much their main man now that B Diddy has left town. Still, seems a lot of money for someone who seems to be stuck between guard spots……
Jul.25 at 10:07 am
Hursty says:
So they need to hold onto the dudes they got and since dude is only 22 in 5 years time his game may be drastically different. Look at KG, Ray Allen, Mike Redd, Chauncey Billups, Ginobli etc. They have changed their game over time to accomodate their bodies and are still dominant even though their style was different 5 years ago to what it is now ( maybe not Chauncey so much, but yuo get my point).
Jul.25 at 10:09 am
Squirrel7 says:
But Hursty, while the game may be different in 5 years time, he’ll be coming to the end of his contract (or will have long since been traded), so who’s to say GSW will even get the benefit?!
Jul.25 at 10:10 am
TADOne says:
Now if only the Hawks could sign Josh Smith. I mean, he has to be worth as much as Monta, right?
Jul.25 at 10:12 am
Hursty says:
short term he wont go anywhere though so they can rebuild ( again) around him. His age is important in keeping him there since he can learn at a faster rate and contribute more, f*ck Im struglin to type today, my bad.
Jul.25 at 10:13 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Who cares if Monta is stuck between positions and only 6´3 dude can flat out play, he’s already one of the fastest as well as most explosive players/scorers in the L. And remember still only 23. Money well spent.
Jul.25 at 10:13 am
Hursty says:
Thing is with those two though TAD, I reckon that they both are exceptionally good for their respective teams and would still be great on other teams ( but not as good) and to me it seems like their worth would be diminished elsewhere eg. Larry Hughes with Washington and then the Cavaliers. Now hes a trade piece.
Jul.25 at 10:16 am
Schortsianitis says:
A good - flashy player that just became slightly overpaid…Monta Ellis more than Jose Calderon(a top-5 pure point guard in the world)??!!….
Jul.25 at 10:16 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Hawks should definitely pull out all stops to secure Josh, especially after losing his name-brother. I’ve said it before Josh will be an All-Star from this year onwards, count on it.
Jul.25 at 10:18 am
TADOne says:
Hursty: Get the heck outta here! Josh Smith would thrive on more than just the Hawks, trust me. His game is that good. Honestly, I hope Josh takes a one-year qualifying offer from the Hawks and becomes an unrestricted free agent after the season and signs with Detroit.
Jul.25 at 10:18 am
Squirrel7 says:
My point was just that they may well be nurturing him, only to have him bolt the moment he’s at ’superstar’ level. Also, am I honestly the only one who thinks that as time goes by, Monta will be less effective now defenses now what he’s all about?
Jul.25 at 10:19 am
Squirrel7 says:
*know
Jul.25 at 10:20 am
TADOne says:
Um, Monta is way better than Calderon. Sorry, he just is.
Jul.25 at 10:22 am
Hursty says:
Yeh but it seems like his game just ‘works’ with Atlanta. Sure he can get the same stats for other teams but would his impact be as big? Or Ellis same deal? I havent seen a whole lot of either since they werent great teams the last few years but 85% of teams would take Smith over their other starter and probably 75% for Ellis. Just my opinion and its a ‘feeling’ of sorts that I have.
Jul.25 at 10:24 am
Co Co says:
Hursty Smith’s game would work better in places that play a faster tempo. His game is hindered in Atlanta if anything.
Jul.25 at 10:25 am
B. Long says:
@Tad: Josh ain’t going to Detroit. Name the last 20 something up and coming free agent that even CONSIDERED relocating to Motor City. Don’t worry I’ll wait.
Jul.25 at 10:26 am
TADOne says:
Thank you Co Co. Happy Friday to you!
Jul.25 at 10:26 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Squirrel7; I think the opposite: Monta will mature as a player and add to his game, right now he’s relying on quickness, athletic ability, and dead-eye shooting. As his knowledge of the game expands so will his game, and he’s already at 22 ppg. with good assist, rebound, and steals numbers as well. As of Josh I agree with TAD, dude a beast. I’m waiting a drastic improvement from his side this year. He could do well on any team. Also agree that Monta is a better player than Calderon (and I’m a massive Calderon fan), whether he’s better for a team I don’t know however. Calderon really makes the Raps/Spain click.
Jul.25 at 10:26 am
Squirrel7 says:
How can you compare Monta and Calderon, they’re completely different players? For example, when Fisher retires, Lakers would consider Calderon the better option, as they’d need a natural PG, and last time I checked, they had some Kobe guy at the 2. Vice versa, the Mavs would rather have Monta, as they already have Kidd.
Jul.25 at 10:28 am
Hursty says:
then they should play Speedy Claxton more and get Earl Boykins. Anybody with speed stripes would be good. Rip Hamilton runs alot.my five fastest team 1. Barbossa, Ellis, Iggy, Smith, Biedrins. LeBron is around, Parker, Devin Harris, Marion ( of old) Kidd in straight lines… blah blah blah.
Jul.25 at 10:28 am
TADOne says:
Well B. Long, who HAS been courted by Dumars since he has been GM? Answer: none.
Jul.25 at 10:29 am
ciolkstar says:
Monta! is without a doubt one of my favorite players in the L. Laso, he absolutely carried this team through the 2nd half of last year, while Baron’s shot selection and hustle were deteriorating. That said, Gstate is taking a huge risk that Monta can be a consistent star-level player in the NBA, which he unquestionably has been to this point in his career. He’s basically been AI witha good shooting percentage over his first few seasons. If he stays healthy and continues to improve (even if its at a slower pace than he has so far) He CAN BE the type of star player you build your team around. Whether or not he’s a point guard is another question…
Jul.25 at 10:29 am
Squirrel7 says:
And I’d say that Calderon probably does marginally deserve more money, as there are so few point-guards of his ability in the league, whereas there are quite a lot of highly-talented shooting-guards.
Jul.25 at 10:30 am
TADOne says:
Hursty: Ever heard of Iverson?
Jul.25 at 10:31 am
TADOne says:
Calderon deserves more than $11 mil or more than he is making now?
Jul.25 at 10:33 am
Hursty says:
Hes not a point, but neither were Wade or Barbossa when they came into the L but since all 3 have like, 6-10 wingspans and uber quickness ( well, Wade is a little bit slower nowadays) that negates their height to guys like Tmac, Bryant ( espn said he was 6′8 at one time), and they can defend the point against shorter, quicker dudes but its kind of a moot point on that.
Jul.25 at 10:35 am
Squirrel7 says:
I was writing in response to Schortsianitis, who said that Monta shouldn’t make more than Calderon, and then people started claiming Monta was the better player. All I meant was that in today’s climate, and considering the other options at their respective positions, I think Calderon should be making more money.
Jul.25 at 10:35 am
B. Long says:
Josh Smith’s Top Three Destination Possibilites-Stays in Atlanta, becomes a human alley-oop next to Baron Davis, heads to the Knicks for a taste of the New York nightlife and hopes they outbid Jersey in the Lebron sweepstakes to form the most explosive dunking duo since Vince and T-mac in the Toronto days.
Jul.25 at 10:35 am
Hursty says:
Ellis that is. Iverson isnt as quick as those guys, I would put him around as quick as TP, Paul, Harris, Barbossa, Ellis. But since they are all similair its another moot point TAD. Hes not faster though. Lou Williams is another.
Jul.25 at 10:36 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Squirrel; Schortsianitis brought Calderon into the discussion, I just followed his (and TAD’s) lead. Did never say their games where comparable. Also who says that Monta will bolt after his contract is up, that’s a big assumption.
Jul.25 at 10:38 am
Hursty says:
*is as, around the same anyways.
Jul.25 at 10:38 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Squirrel; sorry thought your 10:26 was for me.
Jul.25 at 10:40 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Leandrinho is the quickest player in the L. Monta, TP, and Iverson (still) biting his heels.
Jul.25 at 10:41 am
Squirrel7 says:
Well, in that case, LZ, we’ll have to resume this discuss in 2013! I just think there’s fewer players nowadays who sign consecutive contracts at the same ball-club, and the Warriors never seem to be the most stable franchise….
Jul.25 at 10:43 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Squirrel; true and true. 2013 it is.
Jul.25 at 10:43 am
Hursty says:
But Iverson is slooowly falling behind me thinks.
Jul.25 at 10:44 am
TADOne says:
Maybe the NOW Iverson, but 10 years ago, Ivy would have beat everyone of these dudes in a footrace. And trust me, he wouldn’t be too far behind now.
Jul.25 at 10:44 am
Squirrel7 says:
What a shame Tractor Traylor is no longer in the league, he could’ve been included in this ’speedy’ debate……
Jul.25 at 10:45 am
Hursty says:
fu*k it, Im out. Have a good one.
Jul.25 at 10:48 am
Squirrel7 says:
Laterz. TJ Ford was pretty quick in his prime, if I recall rightly. Maybe not so much since injuries took their toll.
Jul.25 at 10:48 am
Ben Osborne says:
Good for Monta.
Jul.25 at 10:55 am
Squirrel7 says:
Ben, I was wondering, is there a reason why SLAM issues in the UK occasionally come packaged with an old edition of Kicks? I know it’s not your fault, it’s just a little disappointing, as yesterday I got the Chris Paul edition of the mag, and thought I was getting 2 for 1, and it turned out to be a Kicks I got about 6 months ago (with MJ on the front).
Jul.25 at 11:33 am
ciolkstar says:
Be happy you got anything…I live in Texas and haven’t gotten any “KIKCKS” or anything besides regular “SLAM” ishes.
Jul.25 at 11:33 am
RV says:
Calderon should not be making more than Montha for the simple fact that Monta will have a bigger role with the Warriors than Calderon will with the Raptors.
Jul.25 at 11:44 am
Squirrel7 says:
See, I’d disagree, as if Calderon is having an off night, the whole of the Raptors will likely be off too, as they rely on him to get them flowing. Whereas if Monta has a bad game, Magette and S-Jax should be able to step up.
Jul.25 at 12:39 pm
DP says:
Monta has been deserving this money since his MIP season two years ago. I just feel like the Warriors should have tried to find at least a better back up point guard than Early Watson. Monta is more effective at the two guard slot. I saw him play the point when B-diddy was out with injury and he played decent but when he went back to the 2 slot, he was a beast. He is more of a slasher and scorer then a bonafide playmaker. Magette is going to be looked upon to do what Monta did last year:score like hell. Monta is going to have to step up the Warriors this year but hey he got the C.R.E.A.M. so it’s all good.
Jul.25 at 12:40 pm
RV says:
yeah but Monta, with this big contract, is now forced to be that consistent guy who brings it every night. I think even though he’s making close to what maggette will make, Monta is still seen as the #1 guy. Calderon is at most #2 or possibly even #3…monta is also like 4 yrs younger.
Jul.25 at 12:54 pm
DP says:
Imagine if Mo willliams and Monta were together at GS though? All Mississippi backcourt? They would be dynamite yes dynamite together.
Jul.25 at 12:59 pm
Mr. 416 says:
I guess Calderon doesn’t get any airtime in the states. if you’ve ever watched a Raptors game or just the highlights you’d see why he’s worth every penny. He keeps the game flowing keeps the rest of the team in their spots. plus he led the leauge in assist to turnover ratio and has a great touch beyond the arc.
Jul.25 at 1:12 pm
TADOne says:
I’m not saying that Calderon isn’t good, but Monta is better. Two different players anyway.
Jul.25 at 1:52 pm
BETCATS says:
who is Monta Ellis?
Jul.25 at 2:35 pm
RV says:
He IS worth every penny he’ll be paid, i dont think anyone is debating that. Rafer also keeps Houston’s offense flowing and gets people in their spots, he doesn’t have a great ratio or shot, which is why he’ll make almost half of what Calderon will. Calderon is close to mo will, williams is more explosive, Calderon has more control, which is why Calderon will make slightly more.
Jul.25 at 2:46 pm
Moose says:
@ BETCATS: you serious dude???
Jul.25 at 2:49 pm
BETCATS says:
no dumby that was AND1’s marketing campian.
Jul.25 at 2:58 pm
Brandon Hoffman says:
I like Monta. He’s extremely talented. But he doesn’t have a position. The only guy I can compare him to is AI, and knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t have signed Iverson to a six-year, $66 million contract at Ellis’ age. Ellis is a guy that is fun to watch, but he won’t lead his team to anything of worth.
Jul.25 at 2:59 pm
Tarzan Cooper says:
monta is the most underrated player in the l. he has some of the best shot selection. fg% is tremendous.
Jul.25 at 3:01 pm
RV says:
i actually think BETCATS meant gumby and not dummy.
Jul.25 at 3:01 pm
tenorca says:
Tarzan’s right. I can’t believe the Dubs got him back at a reasonable salary; it actually seems fair for everyone.
Jul.25 at 3:01 pm
Brandon Hoffman says:
And before someone attempts to rip my AI comment above to shreds, let me explain. I love Iverson’s heart. He deserved his MVP. But he has to be surrounded by a group of players who have no desire to touch the ball on offense and are willing to do all the dirty work on defense. Otherwise, he’s just a high volume scorer. Nothing more, nothing less.
Jul.25 at 3:36 pm
DP says:
Brandon is right. Monta is a scorer, a f*cking highlight reel. I don’t like him as the leader but maybe he will prove me wrong. This not like he is in Jackson, MS anymore when the coach’s gameplan was something like this: “pass the damn ball to Monta!”
Jul.25 at 4:42 pm
Schortsianitis says:
Although i still believe that Calderon is a (slightly) better player than Monta (and you can say that for players playing different positions like you can say that Kobe is a better player than Bosh) i completely understand the reasons why he is paid more money in the WARRIORS (most of those reasons mentioned in the above comments). But in a more complicated style of game (like the european one) Calderon would definitely make more money since his heady play and great shooting ability would be of greater value than Monta’s freestyle running(which i prefer to see as a fan).
Jul.25 at 6:02 pm
playaz Martin says:
I bin tellin tha basketball about Monta, now that Baron Davis is gone monta should really put in up number I perdict 25ppg 5rpg 6apg 2spg CP3 n Deron williams look out here comes Monta Eliis P.S I am from Toronto
Jul.25 at 8:16 pm
Nathalie says:
he should have been playing overseas all these years! lol
Jul.26 at 4:21 pm
Teddy-the-Bear says:
@ Schortsianitis: No offence, but you are a complete idiot if you think Calderon is anywhere near as good as Monta Ellis, or if you think his potential is close to Monta’s whatsoever. Monta Ellis has the potential to be one of the best players in the league if he develops correctly for the future. Now, Calderon is a solid point guard and a very decent player and has the potential to be an all-star point guard (in a conference that lacks these types of players), but Ellis is the type that can and will be able to carry a team. And what is he, 22 years of age?
Jul.26 at 4:21 pm
Teddy-the-Bear says:
@ playaz Martin: Learn to spell..
Jul.26 at 5:02 pm
Schortsianitis says:
Thinking that players like Monta Ellis are better than players than Calderon is one of the reasons why the U.S. kept losing in international competition when faced with serious and inteligent teams (Teddy i bet you r mind can’t even consider Calderon as better than A.I. and Baron Davis. But go ask Popovich or any serious coach around the world for the matter). Fortunatelly for the U.S. (and unfortunatelly for the rest of the world…) Colangelo is way smarter than the average NBA-AND1 fun…
Jul.26 at 6:36 pm
mitch says:
A good player but I am unhappy cause he stole the most improved from k mart and those bandwagon wariors. Sacramento wat? KINGS
Jul.26 at 8:21 pm
B-moore says:
Jose Calderon.. Top 5 pg in the world… better than Arenas, kidd, nash, Iverson, Davis, CP3, DWilliams, Tony Parker.. well that’s at least a pgs better than Calderon
Jul.26 at 10:04 pm
Schortsianitis says:
Arenas and A.I. are definetely not point guards,B.davis is more of a scorer(but a stricky shooter), and kidd is almost done. The only ones better than Calderon are: 1)D.Williams 2)CP4 3)Parker 4)Nash . Check more than points per game in order to judge a player(and even if you check only that, look also how many shoots needs someone to get his 20+ a night….)
Jul.26 at 11:12 pm
Ta!ented says:
Git dat paper monta! lol
Jul.27 at 11:19 am
KA says:
LOL at spidermans granddad comment, check your sourcesbuddy LOL monta is dope but he’s no franchise player.
Jul.28 at 4:30 pm
Playaz Martin says:
Yo B-moore, Jose Caldoneron is good but not better than CP3,Deron Williams,Baron Davis,Kidd and Tony Parker. Fact CP3 is the Best PG in the league just check the Stats.