Re-Fining

Ellis' skills refined for 19-year-old by Marcus Thompson II for the Contra Costa Times

Get Ellis on the court, however, and he's a grown man. His skills mask his inexperience; his audacity compensates for his physical immaturity.

"He's fearless out there," Warriors summer league coach Mario Elie said.

After four summer league games, there is no doubt Ellis can play. At 19 years old, he was the best player on the Warriors summer league team. He is averaging a team-best 16 points after scoring 20 in Thursday's 108-89 loss to the Boston Celtics at Cox Pavilion.

He's talented enough to play both guard positions, though at this stage he's better as a shooting guard than point guard. He started off at shooting guard and moved over to point guard, a product of Elie's growing trust in Ellis.

He's impressed the coaching staff with his willingness to learn and work. He won the respect of his opponents with his tenacity. On more than a few occasions, he roused the crowd with his athleticism.