NBA Draft 2017 Prospect Watch: Malik Monk

Nov 25, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) shoots the ball against the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Tennessee-Martin 111-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) shoots the ball against the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Tennessee-Martin 111-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 5
NBA Draft
Mandatory Credit: Thomas Joseph-USA TODAY Sports

Strengths

Overall, Monk is a scorer. Plain and simple. Any team looking for instant offense in a strong and explosive body will have a nearly impossible time passing him up.

Monk’s bread and butter is his ability to score. He is efficient all over the floor, and can’t be left alone behind the three-point line. He led the SEC in three-point field goal makes and attempts.

His speed and ability to score in transition has impressed, as has his catch-and-shoot ability. His jumper is smooth and he is confident shooting, but does not play selfishly.

A 47-point explosion in December against North Carolina set a Kentucky record for most points in a game by a freshman.

While Monk is a volume scorer on a very good Kentucky team, he doesn’t seem to play selfishly. He is a willing passer, however he could certainly work to improve his vision and ability to create for others.