Hoops Habit
Fansided

Dear NBA, Get Ready For An Infusion Of Elite Talent

By Aaron Mah

Oct 9, 2014; Lithonia, GA, USA; The NBA logo is shown with basketballs as the Atlanta Hawks conduct an open practice at Miller Grove High School. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2014; Lithonia, GA, USA; The NBA logo is shown with basketballs as the Atlanta Hawks conduct an open practice at Miller Grove High School. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next

Malik Monk, 6’3″ 185, Combo Guard, Bentonville High School (AR)

Since the date of his birth, by his given name alone, Malik Monk was destined to be a superstar.

Now, at age 17, his game is living up to prophetic name.

Monk is perhaps the most electrifying player in all of high school basketball — from his aerial assaults to his pull-up game from 30-feet out, the Bentonville, AR, native is a highlight reel waiting to happen.

Although the 6’3″ combo guard possesses middling length (6’6″ wingspan and 8’4″ standing reach), he can curate offense at will with his shifty handle, unlimited range, and explosive leaping ability. In addition, Monk has terrific passing instincts, which is why some analysts believe he can make a transition into a full-time point guard down the line, ala Russell Westbrook.

He is especially deft at finding his open mates on the break and hitting his bigs as the D collapses on his hard charging drives.  In fact, Monk averaged over 3.8 assists per game in the EYBL this summer, while still finding time to pour in 21.1 points a contest.

Live Feed

Where do the Washington Wizards rank in terms of future draft assets?
Where do the Washington Wizards rank in terms of future draft assets? /

Wiz of Awes

  • 4 Prospects Blazers should already be scouting for 2024 NBA Draft Rip City Project
  • Washington Wizards' Johnny Davis is not ready for a rotational role Wiz of Awes
  • Bleacher Report cares way too much about the lack of 2nd round picks the Utah Jazz have The J-Notes
  • Trade Whispers to Franchise Fixture: Maxey's Uncertain Path to Stability The Sixer Sense
  • 3 NBA Draft picks Mavs rookie Olivier-Maxence Prosper should have been taken over The Smoking Cuban

    • However, his attack-mode nature can rear its combustible head, as Monk has a penchant for forcing things and launching a barrage of ill-advised pull-up threes. He’ll often break off plays and over-dribble as he tries desperately to engender some sort of scoring opportunity.

    Defensively, as quick and agile as Monk is, he rarely plays hard, honest defense, and contrariwise, either, tries for the homerun steal or leaks out prematurely in transition.

    With that being said, a guard with his explosiveness and skill, who can score effortlessly on three levels, simply don’t come around very often. And in a three-point frenzied league, don’t be surprised if Monk’s ideal shot allocation is taken account when a team selects in the high lottery come 2017.

    Next: Smith & Ayton