New York Knicks: A January Evaluation Of 2017 NBA Draft Targets

Malik Monk, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Point Guard
Age: 18 (2/4/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 197 pounds, 6’3.5″
2016-17 Slash Line: .507/.414/.833
2016-17 Season Averages: 29.9 MPG, 21.7 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 3.1 3PM

Malik Monk is one heck of a scorer, but NBA executives have long feared positionally ambiguous players. That doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be a Top 10 pick, but if any projected Top 10 selection is going to fall to the back end of the lottery, it’s most likely to be Monk.

Don’t hold your breath on Monk being available for the New York Knicks to swoop in and select, but if he is, it would be tough for Phil Jackson to turn down the chance to select him.

Monk’s upside is comparable to the player who’s currently running point for the Knicks: Derrick Rose. He’s not quite as strong as the former MVP, but he’s an explosive 6’3″ guard with a 42.0″ max vertical leap and awe-inspiring speed in the open court.

Monk has yet to show a consistent proficiency as a facilitator, but if Jeff Hornacek is willing to work with him, New York could have a special player on its hands.

The appeal in Monk is that he’s already a solid shooter who can play off-ball and flourish in catch-and-shoot situations. He’s also shown flashes of being a high-quality defender, as John Calipari’s players usually are.

If Monk falls to the Knicks—whether that be via a slide down draft boards or the Knicks continuing to regress—he should be near the top of the preferred prospects list.