Malik Monk
Position: Guard
Age: 18 (2/4/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 197 pounds, 6’3.5″
Standing Reach: 8’3″
Max Vertical Leap: 42.0″
Malik Monk has the unenviable distinction of being a position-less player. Fortunately for Monk—and perhaps the New York Knicks—a vast number of point guards in the NBA wouldn’t have been point guards in a previous era.
If Monk falls beyond the draft lottery in 2017, it’d behoove the Knicks to give him serious consideration.
Monk’s 42.0″ max vertical leap is enough for any and every scout to be aware of his presence on the court. He’s a highlight waiting to happen, which will create popularity amongst fans and draft writers and analysts.
Monk is also an outstanding shooter who can space the floor and knock down the 3-point field goal at an elite level when in rhythm.
The issues for Monk are twofold, and both are on the offensive end of the floor. He’s yet to show prowess as an NBA-caliber facilitator and falls victim to stretches of inconsistency, during which he forces his jump shot.
Monk has the upside to be a dynamic playmaker and genuinely elite scorer from the point guard position, however, and that should be explored.
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Monk has Derrick Rose athleticism and legitimate star potential. Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks could cash in on it if he continues to be overlook.