Monta Ellis: Why Playing Hurt Is Bad For The Mavs

After shooting a combined 7-of-34 in consecutive losses against the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors on Mar. 5 and Mar. 6, it has become increasingly evident that Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Monta Ellis is not himself.

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Ellis has been the Mavericks’ most consistent scorer all season, averaging 19 points per game and consistently delivering for Dallas in the clutch. The reason for the recent stretch of poor play is no mystery with Ellis is playing hurt.

On Feb. 9, Ellis hurt his hip against the Los Angeles Clippers. He was expected to rest the following game against the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Feb. 11, but he suited up and labored through 37 minutes. The Mavericks won by a score of 87-82 but Ellis shot just 1-for-6 and it was clear he was not as fast or explosive as the guard fans in Dallas are accustomed to seeing.

Mar 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis (11) reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors won 104-89. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

The All-Star break would give Ellis a full seven days off and there was optimism that he would return to form with the extra time away from the court. The Mavericks’ first game following the All-Star break was at Chesapeake Energy Arena against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Ellis shot 2-for-13 in the disappointing 104-89 loss to the Thunder and it was evident that the extended time off was not enough for Ellis to completely heal. He deserves credit for playing through an injury in order to help his team win, but the Mavericks would be better suited to let Ellis completely heal.

Monta Ellis has been arguably the Mavericks best player this season, but if he is not healthy enough to be an asset on the court, then it’s time for him to take a break. The numbers don’t lie when it comes to assessing the impact that the hip injury is having on his game.

Jan 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis (11) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Per Basketball-Reference.com, Ellis was averaging 20.4 points per game on 45.7 percent shooting prior to the injury. In the 10 games since the injury occurred, Ellis is averaging only 13.8 points per game on 35.1 percent shooting. The injury is keeping Ellis from doing what he does best, using his speed and quickness to create separation on the court.

Not only does his hip injury limit his explosiveness, it is clearly affecting his shot. Jump shots start with a player’s lower body, and if your legs are not right, your shooting will suffer. This is what Ellis is fighting through now and it’s hurting the Mavericks.

With Chandler Parsons return to the court, the Mavericks should let Ellis take at least a few games off in hopes that he will return to being the highly effective shooting guard that he was prior to his injury. With only five weeks remaining the season, the Mavericks cannot risk the prospect of going into the postseason with this version of Monta Ellis.

Pulling off a first-round upset on the road will be difficult with a healthy team, but without their leading scorer healthy it will be almost impossible. The Mavericks have little chance of advancing past a team like the Memphis Grizzlies or Houston Rockets unless Ellis is healthy and effective.

Playing while injured is certainly challenging and it earns players a great deal of respect in the locker room. While it may be admirable, the Mavericks need all of Monta Ellis in order to contend in the Western Conference. Until he has it all again, he should take a break for the sake of team.

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