Philadelphia 76ers: 5 options for pick No. 3 in 2017 NBA Draft
By Max Holm
2. Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
Where Jackson is the attractive upside pick that isn’t a perfect fit, Monk was made to play around Simmons and Embiid. Monk hit nearly 40 percent of his threes at Kentucky and was unguaradable in certain games, like his 47-point performance against UNC.
What makes him so tough to guard is he’s tremendous at moving off the ball, has a stellar pump fake, a quick first step and gets insane elevation on his jumper.
He did take a few too many contested midrange jumpers last season, though much of that can be credited to poor spacing and youth. Once Monk gets a season or two under his belt and is receiving the ball in more space, his shot selection should improve. Still, his midrange pull-up game will be a tremendous weapon at the next level.
If Monk was 6-foot-5 or taller, the Sixers probably draft him here. Instead he’s 6-foot-3, meaning it’s highly unlikely he can guard anyone but point guards. While it’s unclear how Monk could hold up against the point gods of the NBA, he’s a tremendous athlete. If he puts the work in and can get support from fantastic defenders, which the Sixers have, it might be doable.
Additionally, he has the potential to become a decent passer. If Monk is guarding point guards for Philadelphia, he won’t be in charge of creating for everyone. That being said, there’s no reason not to buy in on him improving his passing. Still, because of his size and lack of excellence on defense, this might be a bit of a reach at No. 3.
If Philadelphia trades back, however, he’s definitely a stronger option. Should they take him at No. 3 though, you can understand the fit. It would be a sign to the league that the Sixers believe they have their core and now value fit the most.