Ellis is an American guard who has built an NBA career as a defensive specialist and three-point shooter since going undrafted in 2022. He spent his first three seasons with the Sacramento Kings before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, earning a reputation as a tenacious perimeter defender with deep shooting range.
Born Keon Tyrese Ellis on January 8, 2000, in Eustis, Florida, he attended Eustis High School before transferring to Leesburg High School, where he led the program to back-to-back Class 6A state titles. As a senior, he averaged 12.7 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists. He signed with Gardner-Webb but opted for Florida SouthWestern, a junior college, for academic reasons.
At Florida SouthWestern, Ellis averaged 8.3 points as a freshman and set a school record with 41 points against St. Petersburg College on January 4, 2020. As a sophomore, he averaged 18.1 points and set program single-season records in points and steals. He was named Second-Team NJCAA Division I All-American and Suncoast Player of the Year. He transferred to Alabama and averaged 5.5 points as a junior. As a senior, he averaged 12.1 points and two steals and was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team.
After going undrafted in 2022, Ellis signed a two-way contract with the Sacramento Kings. On April 9, 2024, he scored a career-high 26 points. On April 17, he helped the Kings win a play-in game over Golden State with 15 points, five assists, four rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. On November 18, 2024, he scored a new career-high 33 points with nine three-pointers. On February 1, 2026, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Ellis is a tenacious guard with elite defensive instincts, deep three-point range, and a willingness to take on the toughest assignments. He thrives in catch-and-shoot situations, guards the opponent's best perimeter scorer, and provides timely scoring in limited minutes. His defensive versatility and shooting have made him a valuable rotation piece.
Ellis enters each season as a veteran defensive specialist with multiple years of NBA experience. His trajectory from a Florida junior college to an Alabama standout and an undrafted NBA contributor reflects persistence, defensive excellence, and a commitment to expanding his offensive arsenal at every level.
