Keon Ellis developing into defensive force for Cavaliers

CLEVELAND — Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said guard Keon Ellis has "exceeded expectations" since arriving in Cleveland. Ellis is not much of an offensive threat, as his 5.7-point average indicates, but he's off the chart defensively. In Cleveland's 106-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, Ellis recorded a remarkable stat line: four points, three rebounds, two assists, three steals and five blocks in 31 minutes. "He has the second-best defensive rating on the team," Atkinson said. Evan Mobley is No. 1. "He made an immediate impact." The Cavs front office pushed hard to acquire Ellis from the Sacramento Kings in the three-team deal with the Chicago Bulls before the trade deadline. Cleveland received Ellis and Dennis Schroder from the Kings for De'Andre Hunter. Hunter played two games with the Kings before suffering a season-ending eye injury. "We're just scratching the surface with him offensively," Atkinson said of Ellis. He has been effective in the Cavs' pick-and-roll action. The Cleveland coach, though, marvels at Ellis' defensive instincts. "He had five deflections on the same play and finished with a block (against Brooklyn)," Atkinson said. "He's a unique player." The coach said he doesn't remember another perimeter player being that active on defense. The 6-foot-5, 175-pounder is an unrestricted free agent after this season. He is eligible for a contract extension, but the Cavs must be waiting until the summer. Mad Max Cavs swingman Max Strus continues his recovery following offseason surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot. Recent imaging has shown progressive healing, and in consultation with Dr. David Porter and team physician Dr. James Rosneck, Strus has progressed to individual on-court workouts as part of a structured ramp-up program. The program will include controlled team activities and practice sessions with the Cavs and the G League Cleveland Charge. Strus has yet to play this season. "It's been an obvious struggle," Atkinson said. "It's been an arduous process. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's trending positive." Mitchell remains out Guard Donovan Mitchell missed his fourth straight game Tuesday with a strained right groin. Cleveland has four days off before its next game against Boston on Sunday. "He's trending better," Atkinson said. "If this was a playoff game, he plays today. We don't want this nagging him. We want him healthy for the stretch run. This was a smart decision (to sit him)." Coach of month Atkinson was named the Eastern Conference Coach of Month for February. It's his third coach of the month honor, all with the Cavs, after previously earning the accolade in October/November 2024 and December 2024. He became just the third coach in franchise history to win the monthly award on three or more occasions, joining Mike Brown (five times) and the late Lenny Wilkens (three times). Atkinson led Cleveland to an 8-3 record, which was tied for third-best in the conference during the month. The Cavs recorded a season-high seven-game winning streak from Feb. 1-20, including five consecutive road wins. Cleveland held opponents under 100 points three times in the month. The reigning NBA Coach of the Year also helped the Cavs lead the East in points per game (120.9) and field goal percentage (.498). Brown waived The Cavs waived point guard Darius Brown II and signed center Olivier Starr to a two-way contract. Sarr, older brother of Washington's Alex Sarr, is 7-0, 240 pounds. The French native played with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2021-24 and averaged 4.8 points and 3.5 rebounds. Bob Finnan can be reached at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.