The Kings have agreed to a contract with rookie guard Boogie Ellis, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Saturday, citing sources.
Ellis, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 180 pounds, went undrafted from USC and was signed to the Kings’ summer league team after Day 2 of the 2024 NBA Draft. As a senior at USC, the 23-year-old averaged 16.5 points, 42.7 percent from the field, and 41.8 percent from three, along with 3.5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Ellis will compete for a true roster place in Sacramento. Given his performance in the 2024 NBA Summer League as a hustling, two-way sniper, the youngster has a lot of momentum.
In five games in Las Vegas, Ellis averaged 11.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists, and he flashed tenacious defense. But his shooting, as expected, impressed many, as Ellis shot 54.5-percent on threes and 51.3 percent from the field.
He finished fifth in 3-point shooting percentage during summer league play and averaged 17.3 minutes per game with Sacramento’s second unit.
Ellis going undrafted stunned many, considering his Trojans teammate Bronny James — objectively much more of a project — was selected 55th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Kings, however, were glad to pick Ellis up because of his collegiate résumé.
In two years at Memphis and three at USC, Ellis averaged 13 points on 38.4 percent shooting, with 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
He was an All-Pac-12 selection during his — and the conference’s — final two years as a Trojan.
Ellis brings the Kings’ roster to 13 players ahead of training camp. Even if the guard doesn’t crack the main team, he should find opportunities as a two-way or G League prospect.
