The offseason has paved the way for some blockbuster, high-profile trades. From Bradley Beal making the Phoenix Suns an offensive powerhouse to Fred VanVleet signing a massive $130 million deal with the Houston Rockets, most teams have stayed active. Most but one; the Golden State Warriors. The Bay Area has lost more than it gained in the first wave of free agency. They decided to part ways with Jordan Poole, a decision fans are yet to make peace with. However, the Stephen Curry-led Warriors have also failed to meet their targets to add to their depth-lacking roster.

There are doubts regarding Klay Thompson’s productions. Jonathan Kuminga’s development remains unknown. As the Warriors battle the harsh truth, Dub Nation looked back at the star of the city from a time before Curry.

The superstar the Warriors held before Stephen Curry

Today, Stephen Curry is the first name that strikes the mind at the very thought of the Warriors. He embodies the Bay’s spirit. For years, he has been the hero incarnate for the fans who longed for a championship, a joy that the two-time MVP delivered four times. However, before the championship environment set in, the Dub Nation rallied behind one star by the name of Monta Ellis.

The Warriors stole him in the second round of the 2005 draft. Expectations were bleak as he only stood at 6’3″ in a period when guards were significantly taller. However, he turned his fortune and became the ‘one man fast break’. Ellis flaunted his scoring arsenal, averaging 25 points at his peak. He could hold his own against the best guards, and then lead the fast-paced Warriors system down the stretch.

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Ellis had nasty crossovers, a shifty first step, and a soft finish around the rim. His creativity and hustle plays made him a fan favorite among the Warriors stans. They say before Curry, it was the reign of Monta Ellis. He was the Warriors’ central star. It is still baffling to compute how the regular 20-point scorer didn’t make a single All-Star appearance.

He played seven seasons with the Warriors until he was shipped to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Andrew Bogut. While the move was shakey at the time, Golden State would benefit most from their gamble. Stephen Curry blossomed into a superstar and picking Klay Thompson and Draymond Green enabled them to soon become a dynasty.

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Ellis remained consistent as a microwave scorer before playing his final season in 2017 for the Indiana Pacers. But now, years later as the Golden State Warriors fall deeper into trouble, the legend of Ellis is returning to the hearts of fans. Key among them is one of the greatest forwards of all time, Kevin Garnett.

Kevin Garnett recognizes the greatness of Monta Ellis

The 2021 NBA champs are stuck in a mess. Their roster lacks depth, and there is internal tension. The fanbase needed to displace its stress. So they reminisced on merrier times, a span when they had the luxury of Monta Ellis.

Remembering his uber skills and invaluable impact, Dub Nation sang his praises.

“Monta Ellis was a cheat code”

Fans were clearly recalling his ability to score at will –

“Walking buckets”

This user made sure to warn the comments that any Ellis slander would not be tolerated!

“Nah he was actually cold I don’t want any disrespect here”

This fan considers Ellis’ legacy to be “underrated”

“One of the most underrated players in NBA history” 

But it wasn’t just the fans who glorified the NBA veteran. Turns out Ellis was remarkable enough to earn validation from Kevin Garnett who liked the clip of the former Warriors guard’s sumptuous highlight reel.

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The Warriors might have found greater success after Ellis. But during his time in the Bay, he was the ace. Without him, the modern-day Warriors culture might not have existed. Monta Ellis played an integral part in shaping the franchise. And long-time fans will always remember the ‘one man fast break’ for his awe-inspiring displays.