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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0ba07f3882c320e55bb7916b3af0bac48ba30780451f88a02cb1efa845aad844.jpg)
What the Experts Say
(as of 4/5/17)
Draft Express (Jonathan Givony): 5th
ESPN (Chad Ford): 7th
CBS (Howard Megdal): 8th
Sporting News (Sam Vecenie): 7th
The Step Back (Trevor Magnotti and Chris Stone): 8th
Quotes:
Chad Ford of ESPN is wary of Monk’s lack of versatility in an offensive sense, but has no questions over Monk’s ability to score.
"“He’s one-dimensional, which I think probably affects his statistical projection, but Monk can score from everywhere. He’s shooting 74 percent at the rim and 49 percent on his 2-point jumpers. He’s possibly the best athlete in the draft as well.”"
Kevin Pelton of ESPN is optimistic about Monk’s chances of not only being a volume scorer as a pro, but an efficient one too.
"“As compared to the other top prospects, Monk figures to be a more efficient scorer even with his projected 3-point percentage regressed heavily to the mean (35.0 percent). The effective shooting inside the arc you mention helps offset that, and rebounding is Monk’s only huge weakness statistically.”"