Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: 2017 NBA Draft Targets Who Aren’t Point Guards

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 28, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots over Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots over Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) drives to the basket against UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) drives to the basket against UCLA Bruins guard Bryce Alford (20) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Malik Monk, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 19 (2/4/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 197 pounds, 6’6″
2016-17 Slash Line: .450/.397/.822
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.1 MPG, 19.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.7 3PM

Malik Monk projects to be a point guard due to his size and wingspan, but he has the skill set of a shooting guard. Thus, while this may be a bit of a reach, it’s fair to question whether or not he’ll be able to run point in the NBA.

Regardless of which position he plays, Monk has the athleticism and upside of a high-level scorer and perennial All-Star.

Monk is an outstanding 3-point shooter with a 42.0″ max vertical leap—a rare combination of skill and athleticism. He may not be the most reliable of facilitators, but he can create penetration with his handles and get to the free throw line.

On the offensive end of the floor, Monk’s ability to space the floor and play above the rim is a valuable combination of traits that would fit well in the triangle offense.

The most intriguing aspect of Monk’s freshman season was the upside that he displayed on the defensive end of the floor. He has the athletic gifts to defend multiple positions, although his wingspan will be a point of emphasis at the Combine.

If the New York Knicks decide to make Monk the shooting guard of the future, he could flourish as a hybrid player with dynamic abilities.

Home/Knicks News