With the Playoffs on the horizon, and the off season looming in its midst, what is a free agent to do? The Mississippi Bullet is up at the end of this season, and is looking to break someone’s bank. What does it all mean for Monta? No more minimum pay, and finally it is time for some people to show him some respect. We the fans do, and we cheer for him when he does well, that’s all we can give him. But it is time for the league to show him respect, and in the back of his mind he is saying, “It’s PAYDAY and Montay wants his money!” I hope this guy gets whatever he wants, he deserves it more then anyone.

You can some up Monta as a person and a player in so many words, but I choose only one, “Humble”. That word says it all, a lot of young players run their mouth, especially ones that exhume the amount of talent he has, but after wins and after losses he stays humble. All the success he has on the court is trumped by his attitude off the court. He is polite, and attune to his surroundings, he is everything and more that you would want from young gifted talent.

So the riddle to our question above is long and drawn out, but we will try to keep it simple, but as we go along other questions will arise. It’s only the nature of the beast.

But is Monta Ellis ready or capable to be “The Guy”? “The Guy”, is the primary, the go to, the number one on his team. Is he ready to leave his role as Robin to Baron Davis’s Batman? Or is Monta ready to create a new role for himself, a new superhero for a new team?

As I analyze certain teams I look to see where Monta might fit best. Obviously the chemistry of Monta and Baron is phenomenal. Uncanny some might say. Can it get better, or has he hit his peak? In my opinion it only gets better. I think he has only shown us a glimmer of what he can do. Golden State fans are going to hate me for saying this but I think Monta is ready to takeover a team, and Golden State is not that team. Golden State will always be home, and Baron and the Warriors franchise have molded this young man into a star, but for him to overcome it all he needs to be on another team of young gunners.

So let’s break it down, where could he go?

Golden State - GS is where this all started, for a young player it would be hard to leave this atmosphere. The Warriors franchise gave him a lot of respect, with trusting him with playing time, and trusting him to takeover down the stretch. They play the type of ball he likes, and everyone loves him. But it is payday folks and Monta wants to see solid money come in. It is very likely he will stay in GS. But this is a job to these guys; if you are going to get more somewhere else then you are going to go. 

Memphis - Great starting block, but does Monta want to go back to losing again. In 3-4 years I could see Memphis making the Playoffs, but certainly not anytime soon. They have a great foundation in Gay, Conley, and Warrick. Monta would really add to the excitement. They have the money; they have the cap room, so this is a definite secondary.

LA Clippers - Are looking for an exciting two guard, but they need someone with a great shot, and that is the one fault for Monta. His jumper just has not come around quite yet. Still one of the top shooters in the league, but not quite Agent Zero status on the jumper.  So it is a possibility, but I know the Clips are looking to try to pick up Arenas in the off season. I think if they are unable to do so they might make a run at Monta.

Blazers - I am actually surprised with all the rumors that are buzzing that the Blazers name has not came up. With Kevin Pritchard crossing his fingers on the whole Darius Miles retirement clause, they could really have some cap room. Steve Francis will be coming off the books, so that’s $17.1M, and Darius off that would free up another $9M. Steve Blake will be off the books, so will Von Wafer, Josh McRoberts. Granted the Blazers will most likely resign Blake, and McRoberts. The Blazers have the money, and as of late Rudy Fernandez is whining over in Spain about coming to the NBA and being coached by “The General”. So that two spot could easily open up if Rudy stays in Spain. But we never know what Pritch is thinking, we have also heard the Blazers are trying to free up a lot of cash for the 09/10 off season when CP3 becomes available. All gossip, but that’s how it all starts. Pritch is a wizard so getting Monta is not that crazy of an idea. .

Move Roy to the point, which has been talked about quite a bit lately, and Monta at the two. Roy, Monta, Outlaw, LA, Oden…….. The Garden would just fall down. Can you imagine how good Trout and Monta would  get along, BBQ  for days.

Now this is all speculation, Monta is not saying anything. His only comments are “I am just focusing on the Playoffs, and playing good basketball”. That’s how a future free agent should talk. Gilbert Arenas should drink whatever kool-aid Monta is drinking, because it sure is working.  We wish him the best in  anything  he does.