Monta Ellis

The most prolific undrafted scorer in NBA history — a lightning-quick guard who averaged over 19 points per game across 13 seasons.

Monta Darnell Ellis was born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1985. Golden State Warriors selected him 40th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft — one of the best second-round picks of that decade. His 13-season career produced 19.0 points per game — the highest career average by any player drafted outside the first round in the modern era. He won the Most Improved Player award in 2007 after improving his scoring average from 6.8 to 16.5 points per game. His explosive speed — his first step was considered among the fastest in the NBA — combined with the ability to finish in traffic and draw fouls made him an entertaining and productive scorer. He scored 40 or more points on eight occasions. He averaged 24.1 points per game in the best season of his career in 2011-12. He scored in double figures in 711 consecutive games at one point — one of the longest such streaks in NBA history. A 30-game suspension in 2008 following an unreported moped accident disrupted his career momentum. He was frequently cited by opponents as one of the most difficult players to guard one-on-one despite never receiving All-Star recognition. His 15,279 career points established him as the highest-scoring second-round pick in modern NBA history.

Athletic shooting guard with explosive scoring and driving ability

Talented scorer who overcame injury to become prolific NBA guard

• Most Improved Player (2007)