No. 11 — Malik Monk
With the 11th pick, the Hornets selected Malik Monk from the University of Kentucky. Monk provides an immediate offensive punch to a second unit in Charlotte.
The reaction to the draft pick and the fact that Monk had fallen that far in the draft was similar to that of The Ringer:
Malik Monk could end up the steal of the draft. How'd an elite athlete and shooter fall this far? Easy pick for MJ. https://t.co/D9eym9IXv4 pic.twitter.com/bx7sWeTBbo
— The Ringer (@ringer) June 23, 2017
Although he is similar in stature (6’3″) to Kemba Walker (6’1″), Monk will be able to play the shooting guard position as well as provide backup point guard duties. He is one of the most prolific scorers in Kentucky basketball history and was the 2017 SEC Player of the Year.
As talented as Monk is on the offensive side, his defensive game has not yet shown the same brilliance. Averaging just under one steal a game and 2.5 rebounds a game, Monk will need to develop those portions of his skill set.
Another portion of his game that will need some refinement is controlling the assist-turnover ratio. Monk is basically at a 1:1 ratio and that is simply not acceptable in the NBA.
By comparison,, Chris Paul led all starting point guards with a 3.8-1 assist-turnover ratio. Fortunately, Monk will have veteran leadership at his position to show him the ropes. He will also have extra motivation after slipping down this far in the draft.
The Hornets were able to address significant needs in their backcourt and with their bench scoring. Monk has the potential to become a big-time scoring threat and has lots of room to grow on the defensive end. If he is able to reach that potential, this pick could become a major steal for the Hornets.
Grade: A