Fansided

3 bench players who could swing an NBA Playoffs series

By Michael Shearer

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 05: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks reacts after scoring against the Boston Celtics during overtime at the TD Garden on March 05, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 05: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks reacts after scoring against the Boston Celtics during overtime at the TD Garden on March 05, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /
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Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 10: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings drives past McKinley Wright IV #23 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 10, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

2. Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings

Your ideal sixth man is someone with a high offensive ceiling, who can come in and command a game for a few minutes at a time. Monk blasted through that ceiling and touched the sky in his incandescent 45-point performance in a crucial Kings win over the Clippers a few games ago.

Monk is a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year candidate, a bouncy, quick-trigger marksman who has shown a keener passing touch this season than ever before (his 6.2 assists per 36 minutes are nearly twice his previous career high) while maintaining an aggressive scoring mindset (14 points per game).

He possesses a far greater command of the pick-and-roll, patiently waiting for the defense to slip before delivering a perfect pass to a rolling Sabonis or an open corner shooter:

Monk loves to reject the pick, too, zipping by defenders sucked into Sabonis’ gravity like a rocket passing by jealous satellites.

An ebullient locker-room guy, Monk brings joy and energy to the rest of the team. “You know, he’s a free spirit. Malik is what I call a connector,” coach Mike Brown said in December. “He just brings people together and he uplifts people all the time.” That positive attitude will be important for a young team with little playoff experience during the inevitable ups and downs of a seven-game series.

One note of caution, however: Monk has sneakily had a poor shooting year, hitting just 34% of his triples. His shot selection can toe the line between aggressive and foolhardy, and when the rim is unkind, Monk can derail the offense. Despite an improved effort level this year, Monk’s defense will never be his strength, so he needs to make shots to boost the Kings.

But these are relatively minor concerns in what’s been a triumphant season for Malik specifically and the Kings more generally. The Beam wouldn’t be blazing quite so often if it weren’t for Malik’s contributions.

And maybe all that practice with bright lights is good prep for the playoffs. One thing we know: Monk won’t be afraid of the spotlight:

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