One of the truest 3&D wings, Keon Ellis rose from junior college to SEC star role player. Earning SEC All-Defense honors, Ellis made the most of his two seasons in D1 at Alabama. As a senior, Ellis averaged 12 PPG, 6 RPG, 1.8 APG, 2 SPG, 0.6 BPG, and 1.6 TOPG on shooting splits of 44/37/88. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Keon Ellis
Height/Weight: 6’5/167
Wingspan/ standing reach: 6’8 ½ /8’6
Hand size: 9 ¼
Position: Wing
Pre-Draft team: Alabama
Tools: 3&D
Pros:
- Projectable jump shot
- Intelligent defender that can produce defensive stats
- Excellent ball-fake that allows him to hit open 3s
- Good rebounder
- Adequate first step
- Capable athlete
Cons:
- Needs to add weight/strength
- Must improve pass accuracy & passing ability through contact
- Loose, high handle
- Lots of movement on the base of his jumper, especially on moving shots
- Needs to be smoother shooting off the dribble
Summary:
Keon Ellis is a 3&D shooting guard that should have an impact on day one in the NBA as a rotational wing.
While Ellis lacks creation ability, he thrives in an off-ball role and does the dirty work across both ends of the floor. Ellis does a lot of movement off-ball, always making defenders use energy while finding the open spots on the court. With good, quick form, Ellis should be able to shoot at a good rate in the NBA against length on closeouts. Ellis has been shooting the ball well in most of his pre-draft workouts, which is promising not only for his draft-night stock, but also for his outlook as a shooter in the NBA. With a lethal pump-fake, a la Desmond Bane, Ellis should be able to break down defenses with his shooting threat alone.
Defensively. Ellis does a great job of holding his own without getting bullied at 167 pounds. While his defensive skill gives him a good floor, he will need to add strength and overall weight to not get bullied on switches against big men or simply against stronger players on the wings.
With great balance and defensive footwork, excellent rotations, good length/size, and an overall high level of basketball intelligence, Ellis projects to translate on the defensive end based off of his skill level alone. At the least, Ellis’ defense will be average, and his weight will determine whether or not he takes the jump to being a great defender, ultimately becoming a key 3&D wing in the NBA.
Similar to: Danny Green, Reggie Bullock, Courtney Lee
Projected draft range: 26-50
Expected role: 3&D wing
Unplayable if: Skinny frame limits his defensive impact, and lack of offense beyond shooting makes him limited offensively.
Exceeds expectations if: Shooting becomes elite, and he is able to attack closeouts with his good first step. His defense could also go from good to great if he adds a good amount of weight.
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