New York Knicks: 5 Reasons To Select Malik Monk In 2017 NBA Draft

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Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) knocks the ball away from Wichita State Shockers forward Zach Brown (1) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Joseph-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Defensive Potential

To say that Malik Monk is a high-level defender would be both misleading and overly optimistic. What’s fair to state, however, is that Monk has the physical tools to develop into one of the best defensive point guards in the NBA.

Monk may struggle to defend NBA shooting guards, but if he can hold his own against point guards, then that alone would be progress for the New York Knicks.

Monk’s effort and overall intensity have been questioned on defense, as has his ability to contain taller players. His 6’3″ height and 6’6″ wingspan would be ideal measurements for an NBA point guard, however, and that’s something the Knicks can capitalize on.

So long as Monk has the ideal level of support from the shooting guard position, he could be a valuable piece on the defensive end of the floor.

Monk has the lateral quickness and length to be a ball hawk, as well as the foundation for pesky on-ball defense. This is more of a projection than a reality, but New York’s perimeter defense, including its inability to turn defense into offense, has been its achilles heel.

In 2016-17, New York ranked No. 23 in steals and No. 29 in points created via turnovers. If developed properly, Monk could be of aid.

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