New York Knicks: 5 options for pick No. 8 in 2017 NBA Draft

By Ed Easton Jr. | Jun 7, 2017

Feb 18, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) catches a pass in front of Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Rex Pflueger (0) during the first half at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 23, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) makes a lay up against the Cleveland State Vikings in the first half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 23, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) makes a lay up against the Cleveland State Vikings in the first half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky

2017 statistics: 19.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.3 APG

We transition from one young Kentucky guard to another, as Malik Monk is now a prominent member of the group of prospects on the rise. The scoring-focused shooting guard is exactly what New York needs considering the high chance that Carmelo Anthony will be sent out of town soon and Porzingis isn’t quite ready to handle the offensive load on his own.

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Monk can hurt opposing defenses in different ways, either off the dribble or running off screens to get an open shot. He is very streaky and incredibly athletic, with a 42″ vertical leap prior to the start of his season with Kentucky.

Monk earned First Team All-SEC honors with averages of 19.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. The exciting combination of Fox and Monk led the Wildcats to being mere seconds away from a victory over eventual national champions North Carolina in the Elite Eight.

A downside to Monk’s projection is his size at only 6’4″, 197 pounds, he is a target for much bigger shooting guards to abuse down in the paint. He will be challenged by more experienced shooting guards forcing him into tough shots per possession. Monk will forever be remembered for his explosive game against the Tar Heels back in December of last year, dropping a career-high 47 points in front of a nationally televised audience.

Monk could be available for New York at No. 8, but the question regarding Anthony’s future and possible plans to move current starting shooting guard Courtney Lee will be in play. This is a legit scorer with plenty of firepower that the Knicks desperately need.