2017 NBA Mock Draft: Fultz to Celtics, Ball to Lakers after lottery
By Chris Stone
Malik Monk
SG, Kentucky
This would represent a pretty precipitous fall for Kentucky’s Malik Monk who could realistically go as high as No. 3 to the Philadelphia 76ers. However, it also showcases some of the depth of the draft and the lack of separation among those players ranked down into the late lottery. Monk is a wonderful talent as an athletic scorer, but his game at this point is very singular in that if he’s not an efficient, high volume shooter, it’s unclear what else he can provide.
There’s no doubt that Monk was good as a scorer in college, though. He made 39.7 percent of his 3-pointers for the Wildcats on a high volume of attempts and while shooting well from the charity stripe. He can open up driving lanes and is a must find in transition or off of offensive boards. Monk has the potential to do more. He has decent shake off the dribble and could get to the basket more consistently, although he never really showed that in college. He also is a solid passer who can create a bit for his teammates out of pick-and-roll.
As a defender, Monk probably won’t ever add much value. He’s on the smaller side for a shooting guard and has a thin frame, so a team will just want him to be engaged on that end while they derive points from his offensive ability.