Monta Ellis, the explosive guard who became one of the most beloved figures in Golden State Warriors history, last suited up in the NBA during the 2016-17 season with the Indiana Pacers. Despite a decorated 12-year career that never included an All-Star selection, Ellis remains one of the most popular players to miss out on that honor—one of the more glaring oversights in recent NBA memory.
Known for his blistering speed, fearless attacking style, and highlight-reel dunks, Ellis is most closely associated with his early years in Golden State, where he emerged as a dynamic scorer and fan favorite at Oracle Arena.
Recently, the former Warrior took to Instagram with a deeply personal and emotional post that quickly resonated with fans and fellow NBA alumni alike, garnering nearly 7,000 likes. In the heartfelt message, Ellis opened up about the challenges of watching his firstborn daughter, Myla, mature into a young woman:
“Watching you grow into a young lady hasn’t been easy for me to process… that’s why this post took a little longer than it should have.
Myla, being my first daughter, you taught me more than you’ll ever truly understand. You changed me, softened me, and gave me a different kind of love I didn’t even know I needed.
No matter how much you grow, you’ll always be my baby girl. I still look forward to your hugs and kisses every day and hearing you say ‘I love you’, that will never get old to me.
I love you more than words can explain, and I’m beyond proud of the young lady you’re becoming. Forever your dad!💙”
The raw vulnerability in Ellis’s words struck a chord, humanizing a player once celebrated for his on-court ferocity. Comments poured in from the basketball community. Nate Robinson reacted with laughter emojis, while Kelenna Azubuike offered a warm “Happy Birthday Myla!” Anthony Morrow added, “Ain’t nothing like it brother ❤️💪🏿 MORE Life 🙏🏾.” The post also drew likes from high-profile NBA names including Kyrie Irving, Dirk Nowitzki, Zach Randolph, JR Smith, and Stephen Jackson.
Ellis entered the league as the 40th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft straight out of high school. He spent the first six and a half seasons with the Warriors, briefly sharing the backcourt with a young Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. At just 24 years old, he delivered a career-high 25.5 points per game in the 2009-10 season, adding 4.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists. The following year, he posted 24.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while leading the league in minutes played.
As basketball analyst @HoopMuse noted in 2024, Ellis’s exclusion from All-Star consideration remains striking given those peak seasons: “Monta Ellis having 0 all-selections is crazy.”
After his impactful run in Golden State, Ellis continued his career with stints alongside the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, and Indiana Pacers. Over 833 regular-season games, he averaged 17.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.7 steals per contest, shooting 45.1% from the field and 31.4% from beyond the arc. He also appeared in 38 playoff games, contributing 13.7 points per outing.
Though his playing days are behind him, Ellis’s legacy endures—not only through his explosive scoring bursts and loyalty to the Warriors but now through this touching glimpse into his life as a father. The Instagram post serves as a powerful reminder that even the fiercest competitors on the hardwood can be profoundly moved by the quiet, everyday joys of family.