Warriors rookie guard Monta Ellis is one of the last players to walk off the court each practice. And every time, he heads for the locker room with a smile.

He's appeared in just two of the 20 games, totaling 14 minutes. But he's happy he's not in the NBA Developmental League.

"I'd rather this, not playing and working in practice, instead of being in the D-League and playing," Ellis said. "I just feel like the D-League is just not my level of play. I feel like this here is going to be better. I like to be pushed. I like for people to go at me and make me better and I make them better."

The Warriors, as has much of the NBA to this point, have declined using the new NBADL, the league's first crack at a minor league system. Neither of the Warriors' little-used second-round picks in June's draft -- Ellis and forward Chris Taft -- are expected to be designated to the team's NBADL affiliate, the Fort Worth Flyers.

There have been just eight players sent to the D-League thus far. Members of the Warriors contend the rookies will be better served to stay in the NBA.

"I think it's important for them to be with us," Warriors coach Mike Montgomery said. "I think we need to teach them as much as we can; they need to learn from the older players about how to be a pro."