Golden State Warriors: Ranking the top-5 second-round picks in team history

By Justin Lee | Nov 24, 2020

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after making a three-point basket in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Chase Center on December 27, 2019 in San Francisco, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

5 of 6

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /

Monta Ellis, 40th Pick (2005)

Monta Ellis is one of the greatest second-round picks of all time, and there is no doubt about it. Ellis was drafted with the 10th pick of the second round in the 2005 draft out of Lanier High School in Mississippi.

Entering the draft right out of high school hurt him, mostly because he was a smaller combo guard. However, at 6-foot-3, Ellis would be one of the best scoring players drafted in the second round.

The 2005 draft was a pretty good one as well.

Players like Andrew Bogut, Marvin Williams, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Raymond Felton, and Channing Frye were in the top ten picks, and all went on to have long successful careers. Even in the second round of the draft, Monta Ellis can fit into that list as well.

Ellis played seven seasons with Golden State and averaged nearly 20 points per game over that span. He had two seasons where he averaged at least 24 points a game and six seasons averaging at least 16 points a game.

Monta Ellis was an amazing player for the Warriors but doesn’t get a ton of credit for his career. Ellis is possibly one of the biggest All-Star snubs in NBA history and the best second-rounder to never make one.

Home/Warriors News