New York Knicks: NBA Draft Point Guards To Watch In 2016-17
![Mar 20, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Edmond Sumner (4) brings the ball up court during the second half in the second round against the Wisconsin Badgers of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports Mar 20, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Edmond Sumner (4) brings the ball up court during the second half in the second round against the Wisconsin Badgers of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-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/52c6e36527fdccecd0894249787097c20dbdbeea3a230363d09090b368cff621.jpg)
Malik Monk, Kentucky Wildcats
Class: Freshman
Age: 18 (2/4/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3.5″, 187 pounds, 6’6″
2015-16 Slash Line: N/A
2015-16 Season Averages: N/A
There are few players more explosive than Kentucky Wildcats freshman guard Malik Monk. He’s positionally ambiguous, but he can be classified as a point guard for the sake of discussing what the New York Knicks should do.
With explosive athleticism, a lethal jump shot, and the finishing ability to make nightly appearances on SportsCenter, Monk is a player worth watching.
Monk stands at just under 6’4″ and 187 pounds, which is the prototypical build for a point guard. He hasn’t yet displayed the tools to be an NBA-caliber facilitator, however, which calls his future into question.
There’s simply no way around the fact that Monk has the physical gifts to be a dominant athletic force in the Association.
Monk can play above the rim without any issues whatsoever. He’s also an outstanding shooter when his feet are set and a creative finisher who can help solidify the Knicks’ pick and roll and slashing attacks.
Monk has more upside than established ability, but with a 42.0″ max vertical leap, it’s hard not to be intrigued by his potential.