Keon Ellis is keeping a level head despite his reduced playing time early in the season, according to The Sacramento Bee’s Chris Biderman.
The Kings guard saw just 12 minutes in Friday’s blowout loss to the Thunder – all of which came in the fourth quarter – continuing a stretch in which he’s reached the 20-minute mark only three times through Sacramento’s first nine games.
Ellis had reason to believe he’d earn a bigger role this year after a strong 2024–25 campaign. He ranked second on the team in three-point percentage at 43% and was among the NBA’s defensive standouts, finishing second in the league with 280 deflections.
His defensive presence has been sorely missed on a Kings team that entered Friday ranked 25th in defensive efficiency, 28th in deflections, and 28th in contested shots.
Asked about his diminished role, Ellis responded with composure.
“Because I know if I go out there, I do what I do,” he said. “If I don’t go out there, it is what it is. I control what I can control.”
The Kings’ crowded backcourt has made it difficult for Ellis to find consistent minutes. Sacramento added veterans Dennis Schröder and Russell Westbrook this offseason, both of whom are currently ahead of him in the rotation.
Westbrook has been in vintage form lately, posting 24 points, nine assists, and six rebounds Friday after recording a triple-double earlier in the week.
Schröder, however, has struggled – the Kings have been outscored by 85 points in his 287 minutes and hold a minus-9.9 net rating when he’s on the floor, per Biderman.
Head coach Doug Christie acknowledged the challenge of finding minutes for everyone.
“It’s a numbers game,” Christie said. “There’s a big log jam there. Night to night, it could be different. It’s not going to be any easier once you get Keegan (Murray) back. But this is a good problem to have.
“It’s one that hasn’t been here for a long time when you talk about wing players and the ability to have them. Keon’s a pro so I know he’ll be ready and prepared.”
Pacific Notes: Ellis, Leonard, Curry, Warriors https://t.co/OtDPKeYCK4 pic.twitter.com/TPeuMhG7oB
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 9, 2025
