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2017 NBA Mock Draft: An Early Look Ahead

By Maxwell Ogden

MAPLE GROVE, MN- MAY 23: Harry Giles #1 from Team CP3 and Wesleyan Christian Academy during Session Four of the Nike EYBL on May 23, 2015 at Maple Grove Community Gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
MAPLE GROVE, MN- MAY 23: Harry Giles #1 from Team CP3 and Wesleyan Christian Academy during Session Four of the Nike EYBL on May 23, 2015 at Maple Grove Community Gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 15: West Team MVP Malik Monk (L) (Bentonville, AR) in action during the 15th iteration of the Jordan Brand Classic at Barclays Center on April 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Jordan Brand )
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 15: West Team MVP Malik Monk (L) (Bentonville, AR) in action during the 15th iteration of the Jordan Brand Classic at Barclays Center on April 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Jordan Brand ) /

10. Malik Monk, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Guard
Age: 18 (2/4/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3.5″, 187 pounds, 6’6″
Slash Line: N/A
Season Averages: N/A

There aren’t many athletes in college basketball with more natural bounce than incoming Kentucky Wildcats freshman Malik Monk. Standing at somewhere between 6’3″ and 6’4″ with a 6’6″ wingspan, Monk can rise up and throw down a gorgeous finish with genuine ease.

The rest of his game is still a work in progress, but when a player is as athletic and explosive as Monk, scouts take notice.

Monk’s standing reach was last measured at 8’7.5″, which is elite for a point guard. For perspective, Russell Westbrook’s standing reach was measured at 8’4″, and he’s one of the best in the NBA at playing the passing lanes and stripping opponents of the ball.

Monk has elite athleticism, a great build and body for a point guard, and the reach to be a nightmare defensively.

The question mark in Monk’s game is a big one: is he an athletic 1 or a shooting guard in a point guard’s body? His game depends quite heavily on his athleticism, and his fundamental polish isn’t exactly top-tier.

Fellow Kentucky recruit De’Aaron Fox is the No. 1 point guard on my board, but if Monk embraces his defensive potential under John Calipari, he can be a Top 10 pick.

Next: Defensive Anchor