Boogie Ellis provides Kings game-changing, chip-on-shoulder vitality in win initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Bay Space
SACRAMENTO – Boogie Ellis wasn’t mad when he noticed Bronny James get picked within the 2024 NBA Draft, though Ellis had higher stats in school than his extra notorious USC teammate did.
Ellis was completely satisfied for James, however positively is utilizing the slight of not getting drafted in any respect as motivation whereas attempting to latch on with the Kings.
The 23-year-old guard took one other step in that path, pouring in a game-high 17 factors in 22 minutes to tempo the Kings to an 85-59 walkaway win over the San Antonio Spurs within the California Traditional at Golden 1 Middle on Sunday.
“Coach [Doug Christie] stated he needed canines, and I imagine I’m a canine,” Ellis stated after anchoring a protection that held the Spurs to a cold 22.5-percent taking pictures. “Simply exhibiting that, selecting up folks, being bodily, speaking, speaking. Simply doing every little thing different persons are not prepared to do.”
In some ways, Ellis is a Swiss Military Knife-type of participant. He can rating from wherever on the ground, does a superb job creating photographs each for himself and others, and has no downside promoting out on the defensive finish whereas attempting to create as a lot havoc as doable.
That was the identical M.O. that Ellis had at USC. Through the 2022-23 season, he performed in 29 video games and averaged 16.5 factors, 3.5 rebounds and three assists whereas taking pictures almost 42 % behind the arc.
As compared, James averaged simply 4.8 factors, 2.8 rebounds and a pair of.1 assists in 25 video games, but acquired chosen fifty fifth general by the Los Angeles Lakers with the hopes of becoming a member of his iconic father to type the primary father-son duo to play collectively within the NBA.
Ellis, in the meantime, didn’t get drafted and wound up signing a free-agent take care of the Kings, with nothing actually concrete apart from an invite to the summer time league.
“I’m completely satisfied for [James] as a result of that’s considered one of my brothers. I’m glad he acquired the chance,” Ellis stated. “However it is a enterprise. All people’s attempting to feed their household. Undoubtedly have a chip on my shoulder. I imagine I’m an important basketball participant and I’m higher than loads of guys that have been picked.
“On the finish of the day I’ve to go present my laborious work and present what I do. I simply proceed to work, maintain my head down and maintain working. It’s going to repay.”
In his quick time with the Kings, Ellis already has made a constructive impression on his teammates and the teaching workers.
Colby Jones, who’s attempting to carve out an even bigger function for himself, stated Ellis has been impactful ever since he signed with Sacramento.
“The way in which he’s enjoying, I’m not shocked,” Jones stated. “Actually completely satisfied to see him on the market being assured, hitting his stride for certain. He’s helped us out so much.”
Christie, who has been teaching one of many Kings’ two groups within the California Traditional, famous that Ellis brings a distinct stage of ardour when he’s on the court docket.
“I believed that the vitality modified when he got here within the recreation [Sunday],” Christie stated. “It wasn’t just like the vitality was unhealthy, it simply wasn’t Boogie vitality. When he comes within the recreation, every little thing modifications. His capability to choose up and maintain his man in entrance of him, he’s fearless crashing the boards. I really like the truth that he’s not afraid to shoot the basketball. It’s not pump-fake, he’s already pondering shot.
“Only a good teammate. He introduced the vitality tonight and we actually wanted it.”
Ellis loves doing the soiled work on both finish of the court docket and gave himself a reasonably strong scouting report after Sunday’s recreation.
“Someone that comes within the recreation with excessive vitality, a defensive participant that may play-make, make open photographs,” Ellis stated. “All people is aware of I can rating the basketball so proper now I’m simply specializing in the defensive finish and letting every little thing else handle itself.”
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