If the contemporary definition of modesty in the NBA is “One who does not pound his chest and poke his jersey after making a lay-up,” then the Golden State Warriors rookie guard Monta Ellis fits the bill. Ellis, who certainly has every right to play the blingin’ young athlete role, appears wholly unaware of his epic talent. On the court, he gets to the hoop with the skill and grace of a young Allen Iverson, but hustles back on defense like a young Alan Alda. Get the idea? Usually, when you’re playing on the league’s worst team, a little humility is expected. Perhaps that’s what makes Ellis’ demeanor stand out; while teammates Baron “The Big Easy” Davis and Jason “J-Rizzle” Richardson compete for the team’s vaunted “star” status and “franchise player” tag, Ellis, meanwhile, modestly plows along.
.Most Modest Person, Place, or Thing: Earnest attitude complements prodigious skills
Monta Ellis