“The numbers tell us, and the playing time tells us, [Doug Christie] just doesn’t believe in [Keon Ellis], but I can tell you from conversations with folks in the front office that there is still a belief in [Ellis].”
Keith Smith expressed his understanding of the Sacramento Kings complicated (and somewhat confusing) situation with Keon Ellis on Monday’s edition of The Allen Stiles Show.
This has been a conversation about Ellis for years, and it has been heightened this season due to his limited playing time.
Last season, Ellis played in 80 of Sacramento’s 82 regular-season contests, averaging 24.4 minutes per night. Even at that rate, the fanbase was reasonably confused at the consistency of his playing time.
This year, Kings head coach Doug Christie has publicly stated that players who are impactful on defense will get consistent reps. Still, his average minutes are down to 16.3 per game, including 10 games with fewer than 15 minutes and one DNP-CD.
After declining his team option ahead of the year, many are curious whether the Kings have him in their plans.
And their lack of playing time for one of their premier three-and-D players is confusing. Is their current course of action going to cause Ellis to prefer heading to another team when he reached unrestricted free agency this offseason, or would he truly consider sticking around in California’s capital?
Be sure to check out the entire interview with Keith Smith on the Sactown Sports 1140 YouTube page.
Listen to The Allen Stile Show from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports
When the Sacramento Kings go through extended struggles, they tend to have drastic reactions to their underwhelming moments. Sitting at 5-17, 14th in the Western Conference, they’re at the point where people are expecting notable change.
While resetting and embracing a rebuild/youth movement would seem like the logical path, the Kings don’t typically follow that. Given the current standing and reportedly uncertain future of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brenden Nunes, Chris Watkins, and Allen Stiles debated whether Sacramento should enter trade conversations.
It may seem crazy, and the chance that Antetokounmpo would be willing to re-sign in California’s capital would likely be limited, but Sacramento general manager Scott Perry could put together an enticing package for the former Most Valuable Player.
Read More:
Should the Sacramento Kings pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Saturday, December 6th – @ Miami Heat – 5:00 PM PT
Monday, December 8th – @ Indiana Pacers – 4:00 PM PT
Thursday, December 11th – vs. Denver Nuggets – 7:00 PM PT
Sunday, December 14th – @ Minnesota Timberwolves – 4:00 PM PT
Thursday, December 18th – @ Portland Trail Blazers – 7:00 PM PT
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