Home / Sports / Curry's rise overshadowed Ellis's reign
Curry's rise overshadowed Ellis's reign
13 Aug
Summary
- Monta Ellis was the star player for the Golden State Warriors around 2008-2010.
- Stephen Curry was drafted in 2009 and gradually developed into the team's star.
- Ellis was traded in 2012, a move that proved pivotal for the Warriors' future success.

In the late 2000s, Monta Ellis was the marquee player for the Golden State Warriors, leading the team offensively around 2008. By 2009, Stephen Curry joined the roster as a promising young guard. Ellis, who had already established his scoring prowess and won Most Improved Player, was the primary offensive threat.
As Curry developed, his unique shooting and playmaking abilities began to reshape the team's strategy. Despite Curry's potential, questions lingered about his fit in the league at the time. However, the Warriors saw his long-term upside and eventually decided to build around him.
The pivotal moment came in 2012 when Ellis was traded in a deal that brought Andrew Bogut to the Warriors. This move cleared the backcourt and allowed Curry to take the reins, a decision that proved instrumental in the franchise's future success and championship runs.
While Ellis was a significant scorer, Curry evolved into a more impactful offensive engine and playmaker. His ability to stretch defenses and create opportunities fundamentally changed the game, forming the core of the Warriors' dynasty alongside teammates like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.