Great Britain PG Quinn Ellis has entered his name into the NBA Draft, as reported by John Chepkevich of Draft Express. The 2003 guard averaged 11.6 PTS, 4.5 REB, 4.4 AST, 1.2 STL for Novipiú Casale Monferrato in Italy Serie A2 this season, Chepkevich has him (Ellis) listed as a 6'4 guard.
(Photo credit: FIBA)
Some have predicted that Quinn could be a late second-round pickup or a draft-and-stash asset. Draft-and-stash meaning he would continue to develop in Europe while an NBA team hold his draft rights. However, I believe that after some Ellis works out for some teams and does Draft workouts this could change, potentially.
He could grow from a late-second/draft-and-stash and could end up becoming a late first-round pick, solely based on his style of play. The lefty guard has ability to score at all three levels, both on the dribble and on the catch. He can finish with contact using both hands with different finishes; layups, floaters, dunks and eurosteps. Posses a great handle, breaking down defenders to get to his spots, also finishing above the rim. Quinn displays patience in the pick and roll with the ability to score off it in many ways; in the lane, midrange and beyond the arc. Lastly he has great hands, being able to steal the ball by way of passing lanes and by stripping offensive players when on the defensive end. Ellis has also shown the potential to playmake for others this season.
It is rare for guards in the draft to come into the NBA with a bevy of pro experience and poise. Having all this in his repertoire already, his ceiling is very high. He would excel on the NBA court having more space to operate, making it 'easier' as many European NBA stars have said, the game is easier in the NBA with the spacing and change of rules. Even if drafted in the second round, he would be an absolute steal for whomever picks him up!
Ellis had a standout game in his first Great Britain team call-up, dropping 22 points on Serbia in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
(Photo credit: FIBA)
If you're unfamiliar with Quinn Ellis and his game you can watch a season highlight mix here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkhYDGKUzsI
The NBA Draft takes place on June 22nd in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Hopefully Quinn's name is called up earlier than people except!