Wisconsin Herd: Getting to know the 11 expansion draft picks
By Adam McGee
Perry Ellis
Perhaps the closest thing to a household name among the Herd’s selections on Wednesday is Perry Ellis. Having spent four seasons as a Kansas Jayhawk and being a McDonald’s All-American before that, Ellis has received plenty of media exposure over the years.
It was also considered something of a surprise when Ellis went undrafted in 2016, and the Bucks were among the teams to have worked him out during that process.
Ellis played in the G League last season, and put together a solid year for the Charlotte Hornets’ affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. During that year, the 23-year-old averaged 9.7 points and 4.7 rebounds, while shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 37.6 percent.
Unlike the majority of the players selected by the Herd in the expansion draft, Ellis is guaranteed not to be starting the season with the Herd as he’s currently under contract with Australia’s Sydney Kings.
Speaking to ESPN about his move to Australia back in July, Ellis made no secret of where his ambitions still lie:
"“My ultimate goal is to get to the NBA, but if it doesn’t happen, it is what it is. You move on and continue playing, wherever that might be. That’s my mindset.”"
If Ellis puts together a strong season in Sydney, perhaps a return to the Herd late in the season could be just what he needs to earn an NBA opportunity for 2018-19. Chris Reichert of 2 Ways & 10 Days explained that such a return could be in play for Ellis.
"“[The Herd] also have the chance Perry Ellis finishes his season in Australia and returns for the final month and a half of the season.”"