The Brooklyn Nets have signed Keon Ellis to a two-year contract worth $18 million, a move that signals the team's desire to bolster its defense. The deal includes a full mutual option, allowing either the player or the team to opt in for a second year.
Ellis expressed his motivation for joining the Nets, citing a strong desire to be in a situation where he is valued. He also highlighted his familiarity with Nets coach Jordi Fernández, who previously served as an associate head coach for the Sacramento Kings during Ellis's two years with the team. "From what I heard, he was pulling for me really hard," Ellis said about Fernández. "And I know the way he coaches. He’s very passionate. He’s about the right things. He wants to win. So, the familiarity right there was definitely good."
The Nets' acquisition of Ellis addresses a clear need for point-of-attack defenders who can also shoot effectively, often referred to as "3-and-D" players. Such players are highly sought after in the NBA, and Ellis's statistics suggest he can fill this role.
Last season, while splitting time between the Kings and the Cavaliers, Ellis demonstrated significant defensive impact. Per 100 possessions, he ranked in the 93rd percentile for steals (2.7), the 95th percentile for blocks (1.5), and the 96th percentile for turnovers forced (1.6) and deflections (6.4). His overall defensive stop percentile was 4.4, placing him in the 98th percentile.
"It’s just about the effort. I go out there and I just try to make it tough on guys," Ellis explained regarding his defensive approach. "You’re playing against the best players in the world. They’re gonna score; they’re gonna get to their spots. You’re gonna have bad defensive games [and] good defensive games. But the mindset of every night trying to do the right things, be in the right spots and just attack the game plan. That’ll help everyone accomplish the goal."
He added that while he may not be the greatest individual defender, strong team defense where everyone is aligned is crucial. Ellis sees himself as a leader by example, believing his effort can motivate teammates.
Two seasons prior, Ellis posted even more impressive numbers, being the only player in the league to rank in the top 10 for both steals (1.5) and 3-point percentage (.433). However, his performance saw a dip last season, particularly in the postseason with Cleveland, where he averaged limited minutes and a negative net rating.
Despite the recent struggles, Ellis is confident he can return to his earlier form, attributing past inconsistencies to a lack of a stable role and "moving parts." "The consistency really helped with that, that year. You knew what was going on. There weren’t too many moving parts. So, that was just the biggest thing," he stated.
Ellis also acknowledged the challenges of finding housing in Brooklyn but expressed excitement about exploring the city's offerings. "Trying to find a house, it’s tough," Ellis laughed. "I have to sacrifice something, some space, the prices, it’s a lot. But I’m definitely excited to be able to kind of just walk around the city and hit different spots and all the restaurants. I hear there’s a lot of good food and a lot of things to do."