Thunder NBA Draft prospect series: Malik Monk
Continuing TI’s NBA Draft prospect series Malik Monk represents yet another guard likely to be selected within the lottery picks. And, much like the other top guards Sam Presti is unlikely to make a move to trade up to acquire the guard.
Although Malik Monk is a consensus lottery pick his rank vacillates from as high as 6th to a low of 9th. The four position disparity of Monk’s rank has much to do with uncertainty regarding his ceiling.
Primarily an off ball shooter, Malik Monk demonstrated a propensity for offensive versatility between his hops and ability to shoot efficiently from the field. Monk may very well be the best shooter in the lottery which is sure to raise his stock come draft night (and may be why pundits rank him all over the place).
Playing on a packed Kentucky team alongside fellow wing De’Aaron Fox may have served to hide some of his strengths while simultaneously hiding his weaknesses. If Fox is the prototypical 3 and D specialist then Monk was his perfect counterpart as an explosive player who could shot the lights out all over the court.
Specifics
Height: 6′ 4″
Weight: 197 Ibs
Wingspan: 6’3 and a half”
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 19 years, 3 months
Statline: 19.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks
College: University of Kentucky (freshman)
Home Town: Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
Current rankings:
(note – rankings are taken on day of article posting and therefore may be listed at a similar rank as previously posted prospect reviews)
DraftExpress: 6th overall prospect
NBA DraftNet: 9th
Scott Howard-Cooper nba.com: 7th
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: 8th
CBS Sports: 8th
Basketball Insiders: 6th
Sean Deveney of Sporting News: 7th
Hoops Hype: 8th
Jeremy Woo SI.com, The Crossover: 8th
Skills:
Malik Monk can be a prolific scorer at the pro level with his ability to hit shots even with defenders in his face whether from two or three point range. He can be a streaky shooter who goes off in batches at a time. With a quick first step his ability to move well in transition and in the paint will improve as he gains strength and size.
"Making 40% of his 3-point attempts over 8.1 attempts per-40 minutes pace adjusted last season, Monk ranked among the most prolific shooters in this draft class, and mostly played to his strengths, with some 80% of his shot attempts coming away from the rim in the half court, according to Synergy Sports Technology. Shooting the ball with great elevation, to go along with very nice touch, Monk hunted set shots relocating well off the ball, and showed no shortage of confidence, taking and making many deep, contested threes. – Source: ©DraftExpress"
Weaknesses:
Although Malik Monk has hops his decision maker is in question and his size limits his ability to defend. Adding to these limitations are his short wing span and short arms. Most pundits feel his size isn’t suited to the shooting guard role, feeling he would be better suited to be developed into a point guard. To make that transition he’ll need to work on two of his greatest lapses– passing and reading the offense quickly.
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Honors and awards:
- Consensus second-team All-American – 2017
- SEC Player of the Year – (Associated Press) – 2017
- First team All-SEC – 2017
- SEC All-Freshman Team – 2017
- Jerry West Award – 2017 (awarded yearly to top NCAA shooting guard)
- McDonald’s All-American participant as well as 3-Point Champion (2016)
- Jordan Brand Classic participant and Co-MVP (2016)
Pro Comparison:
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer provided a ceiling comparison for each of his prospects. O’Connor’s list for Monk is Ray Allen, Lou William and Zach LaVine.
Because of his shot wing span and arms personally he reminds me of JJ Redick with the ability to dunk
The fit:
Just think, if Victor Oladipo had the shooting efficiency of Monk how much more he could offer Westbrook. That said, Dipo has a far more advanced defensive skill set, so it makes little sense for Sam Presti to target such a highly positioned lottery pick.