Charlotte Hornets: 5 keys to making the playoffs

Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images
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Charlotte Hornets
Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images

Feed Malik Monk

It’s not a secret that Malik Monk is not the best shooter on the team right now. In fact, he’s one of the worst. Of the players that see regular time each game, Monk’s effective field goal percentage is just 48.0 percent, the third worst among the regulars.

However, this team needs all the offense they can get and Monk has been a great resource in that department. He is one of just four players to average double-digit points all season. His 10.3 points per game are coming with just 18.5 minutes per game as well.

Last year, Monk had 47 games with nine or fewer points and only crossed the 20 point threshold on five different occasions. This year, he’s scored at least 10 points in 27 of the 57 games he has played in. Monk has improved his game as a whole and his points per 36 minutes this year come out to 19.7, ranking second on the team.

Despite not knowing which version he may get on a given night, coach Borrego is committed to Monk when he is on the court as his 25.8 usage percentage is the second highest on the team. If they put him in more situations to succeed, he should be able to provide a bigger boost for the Hornets and their push for the playoffs.