Keon Ellis might not be the biggest name on the Sacramento Kings roster, but there’s a strong case to be made that he’s one of the most important-at least, he should be.
Ellis has carved out a reputation as one of Sacramento’s best on-ball defenders, a rare perimeter stopper on a team that’s been searching for defensive consistency all season. Add in his ability to knock down threes at a high clip, and you’ve got the kind of two-way player that most NBA teams would love to have in their rotation. Yet through 21 games this season, Ellis has logged fewer than 15 minutes in more than half of them, including one game where he didn’t see the floor at all.
So what gives?
Head coach Doug Christie has pointed to the team’s crowded backcourt as the main reason. And to be fair, it’s a legitimate logjam.
The Kings are rolling out a group that includes Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Malik Monk-all players with starting experience, and all capable of commanding significant minutes. But even with that depth, it’s hard to ignore the value Ellis brings on both ends of the floor, especially for a team that’s struggled with defensive lapses and inconsistent perimeter shooting.
NBA insider Michael Scotto echoed that sentiment this week on The Allen Stiles Show, saying, “I don’t understand it, quite frankly.” He added that if Ellis were being benched to protect a potential trade value, the absence wouldn’t have lasted this long. Instead, Scotto believes this is likely a coaching decision, with Christie simply prioritizing other guards in the rotation.
That decision becomes even more interesting when you consider Ellis’ contract situation. He’s in the final year of his deal, and if an extension doesn’t materialize, he’ll hit unrestricted free agency this summer. That could mean Sacramento risks losing a valuable young piece for nothing-unless he’s included in a deal before the deadline.
And make no mistake, the Kings are expected to be active on the trade front. New general manager Scott Perry has a lot on his plate.
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan are both names that have been floated in trade speculation, and Domantas Sabonis-Sacramento’s All-Star big man-has reportedly expressed frustration with his role this season. That’s a situation worth watching closely as the deadline approaches.
There’s also been chatter about whether the Kings should make a bold swing for someone like Ja Morant. It’s a tantalizing idea, but it also raises questions about fit and identity.
Sacramento has been trying to build a culture centered around ball movement and defensive intensity. Morant brings star power and elite athleticism, but he also comes with a different style of play that might not align with what the Kings are trying to establish.
Meanwhile, some fans are wondering if the Kings should pivot in a completely different direction-tanking. It’s a word that carries a lot of weight in the NBA, and while it’s true that tanking has worked for some franchises, it’s not a guaranteed path to success. The flattened lottery odds have made it harder than ever to land a top pick, and rebuilding through the draft can take years longer than expected.
Even so, it’s not hard to understand the frustration. The Kings have hovered in the middle of the pack, and without a clear direction-whether it’s pushing for the playoffs or hitting the reset button-it’s tough to build long-term momentum.
That’s why the next few months are so critical. Perry and the front office need to decide if this roster, as currently constructed, can compete in the loaded Western Conference, or if it’s time to start reshaping it around a new core.
For now, Sacramento is hitting the road for a three-game trip, starting with a matchup against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. The Rockets are off to a strong start and currently sit in the top five of the West-no small feat in this year’s ultra-competitive field.
Last season, the Kings had Houston’s number, sweeping the season series 3-0. That included a 113-103 win at Toyota Center back in March, where DeMar DeRozan dropped 21 points. But this is a different Rockets team, and Sacramento will need to bring its best-especially defensively-if they want to keep pace.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s where Keon Ellis comes in.