Monta Ellis out for first 3 months

Trunk_Muzik · **Monta Ellis out for first 3 months -** 08-27-2008, 11:43 PM

http://www.mercurynews.com/sportsheadlines/ci_10321051

Quote:

Chris Mullin couldn't sugarcoat the latest Warriors drama.

Monta Ellis, the new face of the franchise and starting point guard, will miss at least three months because of a severe ankle injury. It's a devastating blow to the Warriors.

"He's one of our main guys," Mullin, the Warriors' executive vice president of basketball operations, said during a conference call Wednesday. "With the off-season moves that we've made, we can play at a high level still. That's yet to be seen, of course. To me it's something you look at as a challenge and you don't let it defeat you. You deal with it. You don't hide from it. It's a tough day. It's not good news."

Ellis, 22, just signed a six-year, $66 million contract extension and was given the torch as star guard Baron Davis' successor. But the Warriors learned Wednesday that he is out until December — possibly January — after surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left ankle.

Mullin said he was told Ellis hurt his ankle last Thursday while working out in his hometown of Jackson, Miss. According to a news release put out by the Warriors, Ellis sustained a Grade 3 high-ankle sprain, a torn deltoid ligament and disruption of the ankle syndesmosis (ligaments above the ankle joint). His ankle will be immobilized for six weeks, followed by six weeks of rehabilitation.

Phone calls to Ellis weren't returned.

Warriors swingman Stephen Jackson said via text message that Ellis is
Advertisement
"upset he won't be there to start camp, but he is strong and I know he will be all right. I'm not worried."

The injury means that Ellis' development as a point guard takes a significant step back.

"I don't think it helps, let's not kid ourselves," Mullin said. "It's not a good thing. But, again, I think Monta's showed over the course of his short career his toughness and his resiliency and ability a lot of times to take some tough situations and make the best of them.

"This training camp was going to be an important part for his development, no question."

Sucks for the Warriors but i think they can still manage to win some games while Ellis sits out. The bench is lookin alot better than last seasons. What do you guys think?

**Zodiac™** · 08-28-2008, 02:07 AM

well doesn't that suck

mrderenzi707 · 08-28-2008, 10:29 AM

This is just terrible!!! Bye bye playoffs

Bayzfinest · 08-28-2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrderenzi707

This is just terrible!!! Bye bye playoffs

man 4 real... that sucks... knowin how tight the WEST is also and Portland finna make it.. Warriors can really be counted out now. Thanks Monta

BlazerFan · 09-01-2008, 01:29 AM

Damn I feel bad for Warrior Nation.......

At least he isn't done for the season and the young guys will get a chance to step up.

Blazers looking good

PillPoppinSpartan · 09-02-2008, 03:38 AM

damn. dude is nice too. first BD now this. ugh.

09-02-2008, 05:09 AM

damnn...

AustinoThizz · 09-02-2008, 09:36 AM

yupyup. its ok tho warriors will stay strong and hold their own till he gets back. then dominate like always mid season.

BaronDavis · 09-03-2008, 09:26 PM

man if the rumors turn out to be true and he hurt himself on his motorcycle or just doing somthin stupid, i'm gunna be pissed. Marcus Williams as our starting point guard??? fuck!