NBA Draft History: Top 30 Steals of the Lottery Era

Jun 6, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) and shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) react during the fourth quarter of game one of the 2013 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena. San Antonio Spurs won 92-88. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

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14. Monta Ellis, 2005 NBA Draft, No. 40 overall, Golden State Warriors

Coming straight out of high school to the NBA, it was expected for Ellis to struggle in the beginning of his career. However, Ellis’ scoring ability was NBA-ready to say the least. In just his second year of his career, he averaged 16.5 points per game.

In 2007, he won the Most Improved Player award, as he improved his scoring average by 9.7 points per game. Throughout his career he has played for the Warriors, Bucks, and now the Mavericks, all of which he is expected to be the leading scorer. Even at a bit undersized at 6’3 playing the shooting guard position, Ellis doesn’t let any defender stop him from getting his buckets.

For his career, Ellis is averaging 19.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.