NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 20: The Sweet Sixteen edition

Everyone knows about Malik Monk’s ability to get buckets. The 19-year old is averaging 24.9 points per 40 minutes this season, has a 58.7 true shooting percentage and has connected on 39.3 percent of his 3-point attempts. Monk is comfortable shooting coming off of screens, on the catch or off the dribble. He is a veritable flamethrower just waiting to be ignited on most nights. In recent weeks, Monk has also shown off some more passing acumen. It’s a skill that has seemingly always been there, but his willingness to use it seems to wax and wane. If Monk can be a consistent passer, it ups the possibility that he could spend some minutes at point guard, which given his size (6-foot-3) would be highly valuable.

Defensively, there’s less to be excited about. Monk would be at his best defending point guards, but his offensive skill set is better off the ball. If he could play in a situation with a bigger primary ball-handler, that would be ideal.

Monk and Kentucky will face off with UCLA on Friday in the Sweet Sixteen. In the team’s first meeting, Monk finished 24 points and five steals. Given the Bruins’ defensive struggles, Monk should be in for another big game.

Learn more about Malik Monk at The Step Back.