Posted Jan 7 2009 11:12PM
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Monta Ellis passed another milestone in his recovery from his offseason ankle injury Wednesday when the Golden State Warriors' medical staff moved him into the final stage of his rehabilitation.
Ellis, who hasn't played this season, underwent a strength test Tuesday and an examination before Wednesday's game against the Lakers. Team doctor John Belzer cleared Ellis to begin strenuous running and jumping along with shooting drills, the final steps before returning to practice and playing for Golden State.
The Warriors gave no timetable for Ellis' return to practice.
Ellis severely sprained his left ankle while crashing a motorized scooter in August, about one month after he signed a six-year, $66 million contract extension to stay with the Warriors. The team suspended Ellis without pay for 30 games because he violated his contract by riding the scooter. The suspension expired last month.
Ellis averaged career bests of 20.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season while emerging as a dependable shooter for the league's highest-scoring club. The former second-round draft pick was expected to be the centerpiece of Golden State's offense after Baron Davis' offseason defection to the Clippers, but his injury has been a major factor in the Warriors' dismal first half of the season.
 | Nelson's Behind the Back Pass to Howard Jameer Nelson makes a sweet behind the back pass to Dwight Howard, who gets fouled while making the layup. |
 | Jeremy Lin: Sights and Sounds Experience the sights and sounds of Jeremy Lin's incredible play this past week. |
 | Fan Night's Top 10 Jeremy Lin's game-winning 3-pointer headlines Fan Night's Top 10 plays presented by Sprint. |
 | Jeremy Lin's Top 10 Plays Check out the best plays from Jeremy Lin's Season of Linsanity with the New York Knicks. |
 | All-Star Starter: Chris Paul The Los Angeles Clippers guard has been selected to the Western Conference All-Star team for the fifth time, his third as a starter. |
 | All-Star Starter: Kevin Durant The Oklahoma City Thunder forward has been selected to the Western Conference All-Star team for the third straight time, his second as a starter. |
 | All-Star Starter: Dwyane Wade The Miami Heat guard has been selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the eighth straight time, his seventh as a starter. |
 | All-Star Starter: Dwight Howard The Orland Magic center has been selected to the Easten Conference All-Star team for the sixth time, his fifth as a starter. |
 | All-Star Starter: LeBron James The Miami Heat forward has been selected to the Eastern Conference starting line-up for his eighth straight All-Star Game. |
 | All-Star Starter: Derrick Rose The Chicago Bulls guard has been selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team for the third straight time, his second as a starter. |
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use. | Ad Choices 
NBA.com is part of Turner - SI Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.
