Steve Kerr Resonates with Dub Nation about Losing 38YO Ex-Warriors Star Who Stephen Curry Replaced: “Went Under the Radar”

There was a time when the Golden State Warriors front office was in a huge dilemma about picking their franchise player. They were faced with a difficult choice in 2012 between Stephen Curry and beloved guard Monta Ellis. It seems like an easy decision now, after knowing what Chef Curry has achieved with the Warriors franchise. But in 2012, Ellis and Curry were on the rise, and it was a gamble between which player would turn into a superstar and bring success to the Warriors franchise.

The Warriors eventually picked Stephen Curry and traded Monta Ellis to Milwaukee, shocking Dub Nation. 11 years after the franchise-defining trade, head coach Steve Kerr resonated with the Warriors fans about losing the 38-year-old former Warriors star.

Steve Kerr gives Monta Ellis his flowers

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was asked about Monta Ellis’ early contribution to the success of the Warriors franchise. “Monta was a hell of a player,” Kerr responded. The 9-time Champion also praised Ellis and recognized his underappreciated role in taking the Warriors to new heights. “There is a long line of guys like him in the Warriors history who made a big impact, but because the team wasn’t winning at a high level, maybe a lot of their efforts went under the radar.” Kerr added. Monta Ellis was a franchise player for the Warriors from 2005 to 2012.

Ellis averaged 19.6 points during his Warriors tenure and ended their 12-year playoff drought in 2007. Even after getting traded from Golden State, Ellis played great for two years in Milwaukee and two years in Dallas.

Even though the Warriors’ gamble eventually paid off, a lot of credit for their success goes to the early efforts of Monta Ellis and the ‘We Believe’ team.

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The ‘We Believe Team’ planted the seed for the Warriors dynasty

Two years before Stephen Curry entered the NBA and transformed the Warriors franchise, Dub Nation was inspired by another heroic story from their young squad. Monta Ellis-led Warriors team ended their 12-year playoff drought by entering the post-season as the 8th seed in 2007. They faced the mighty Dallas Mavericks in the first round, the best team in the West with a 67-15 record. Everyone expected Dirk Nowitzki and Co. to get past the Warriors with ease.

However, Monta Ellis and Co. pulled off the biggest upset in playoff history and eliminated the Mavs in just 6 games. That became one of the most inspiring stories in NBA history. Monta Ellis averaged 8 points and 2.3 rebounds in those playoffs. Although the Warriors lost to the Utah Jazz in the second round, their journey planted the seed for the Warriors to become one of the greatest dynasties in league history.

Hoe different do you think the Warriors’ fortunes would’ve been had they decided to keep Monta Ellis over Steph Curry?

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