Warriors G Ellis Out Three Months Due To Ankle Surgery

Oakland, CA (AHN) - Golden State has lost one of its cornerstones in the post-Baron Davis era with Monta Ellis suffering an ankle injury. He has been deemed out at least for the season's first month of action.

Ellis, tasked to inherit the playmaking chores this season after Davis jumped ship to the Los Angeles Clippers, injured his left ankle while working out last week.

He underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn deltoid ligament and doctors said the guard could miss up to 12 weeks.

The injury would force Ellis to miss all of training camp, plus the team's preseason games. He is also expected to sit out the first month of the regular season.

Ellis' absence is a bitter blow to the Warriors' backcourt plans this season. The early void leaves Golden State with only one experienced point guard in the roster-Marcus Williams, whom they acquired in a trade with New Jersey.

It was less than a month ago that the Warriors made a dangling offer to Ellis, who agreed to a hefty six-year deal worth $66 million.

He made just under $800,000 last season, in a year when he posted career-highs in nearly all scoring departments.

Ellis missed just one game in the regular season and played almost 38 minutes per contest. He averaged 20.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 53 percent from the field.