Malik Monk

Malik Monk

Monk with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022
No. 0–Sacramento Kings
Position	Shooting guard
League	NBA
Personal information
Born	(1998-02-04) February 4, 1998 (age 26) Jonesboro, Arkansas, U.S.
Listed height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Listed weight	200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school	East Poinsett (Lepanto, Arkansas) Bentonville (Bentonville, Arkansas)
College	Kentucky (2016–2017)
NBA draft	2017: 1st round, 11th overall pick
Selected by the Charlotte Hornets
Playing career	2017–present
Career history
2017–2021	Charlotte Hornets
2017	→ Greensboro Swarm
2021–2022	Los Angeles Lakers
2022–present	Sacramento Kings
Career highlights and awards
Consensus second-team All-American (2017) Jerry West Award (2017) SEC Player of the Year – AP (2017) First-team All-SEC (2017) SEC Freshman of The Year (2017) SEC All-Freshman Team (2017) McDonald's All-American (2016) Mr. Basketball of Arkansas (2016)
Stats at NBA.com
Stats at Basketball Reference

Malik Ahmad Monk (born February 4, 1998) is an American professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played one season of college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats, earning consensus second-team All-American honors in 2017. Monk was selected in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets with the 11th overall pick. He has also played for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Early life

Monk dunking the basketball at the 2016 McDonald's All-American Boys Game

Monk attended East Poinsett County High School in Lepanto, Arkansas for his freshman year. As a freshman, he averaged 22.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while leading them to a 25–8 overall record and an appearance in the Class 2A state championship game. After his freshman season, Monk transferred to Bentonville High School in Bentonville, Arkansas. ^[1] In his junior year, he averaged 26.9 points per game. In the spring and summer of 2015, Monk competed for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team, Arkansas Wings Elite, in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) where he averaged 19.7 points per game. ^[2] He then competed on the 2015 Nike Global Challenge for the East team, where he averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists in addition to earning Tournament MVP honors. ^[3] On November 18, 2015, Monk committed to Kentucky, choosing UK over Arkansas. ^{[4] [5]} As a senior, he averaged 28.6 points per game, 4.4 assists per game and 7.6 rebounds per game. ^[6] In January 2016, Monk played in the 2016 McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic where he earned Co-MVP honors alongside former Kentucky teammate and NBA player De'Aaron Fox. ^{[7] [8]}

Monk was a consensus five-star prospect and considered as one of the best players in the 2016 class by the four main recruiting services: Rivals, ESPN, Scout, and 247 Sports. ^{[9] [10] [11] [12]} Monk was ranked as the No.9 overall recruit and No.1 shooting guard in the 2016 high school class. ^{[13] [14] [15]}

College recruiting information

Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	Commit date
Malik Monk SG	Lepanto, Arkansas	Bentonville	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	185 lb (84 kg)	Nov 18, 2015
	Star ratings: Scout:     Rivals:     247Sports: N/A    ESPN:
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 13   Rivals: 9   ESPN: 9
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "Kentucky 2016 Basketball Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved August 20, 2015. "2016 Kentucky Basketball Commits". Scout.com. Retrieved August 20, 2015. "ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 20, 2015. "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved August 20, 2015. "2016 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved August 20, 2015.

College career

Monk in Kentucky's 2016 Blue-White scrimmage

On November 18, 2015, Monk tweeted that he would be attending the University of Kentucky. ^[16]

On December 17, 2016, Monk set a University of Kentucky freshman scoring record with 47 points in a win over the University of North Carolina. ^[17] Twelve days later, he scored 34 points on five-for-seven three point shooting in a 99–76 win over Ole Miss. ^[18] On January 21, 2017, Monk scored 27 points in a 85–69 win over South Carolina. ^[19] On January 31, 2017, he scored 37 points against Georgia Bulldogs. ^[20] On February 25, 2017, Monk tallied 33 points in a 76–66 victory over Florida. ^[21] On February 28, 2017, Monk scored 27 points in a 73–67 win over Vanderbilt. ^[22] At the end of his freshman season, Monk was named SEC Player and Freshman of the Year, while also being named to both First-team All-SEC and the SEC All-Freshman team. ^[23]

At the conclusion of his freshman season, Monk announced that he would forgo his final three years of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2017 NBA draft where he was projected as a first-round selection. ^[24] Less than 24 hours after teammate De'Aaron Fox announced his intentions to declare for the draft Monk also announced he was declaring for the draft. Stating, "After taking some time with my family and reflecting on this season, I have decided to enter my name into the 2017 NBA Draft." ^[25]

Professional career

Charlotte Hornets (2017–2021)

Monk with the Hornets in 2018

On June 22, 2017, Monk was selected with the eleventh overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets. ^[26] On July 2, 2017, Monk signed his rookie scale contract with the Hornets worth $15,726,047. ^[27] Monk would miss the entire 2017 NBA Summer League due to an ankle injury. In his fourth game on October 25, 2017, Monk recorded 17 points, two steals, and two assists in a 110–93 victory against the Denver Nuggets. On November 1, 2017, with Kentucky coach John Calipari on hand, ^[28] Monk scored 25 points in a 126–121 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. ^[29]

During his rookie season, Monk was assigned to the Hornets' NBA G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, for one game. He scored 25 points, collected eight rebounds and recorded four assists in a December 26, 2017 game. ^[30] On February 26, 2020, Monk was suspended indefinitely for violating the NBA's substance use policy. ^[31] Before the suspension, Monk was averaging 10.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. He was reinstated on June 8, after it was determined he was in compliance with the anti-drug program. ^[32] On February 1, 2021, Monk scored a then-career-high 36 points in a 129–121 overtime win over the Heat. ^[33]

Los Angeles Lakers (2021–2022)

On August 6, 2021, Monk signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a trade exception salary deal. ^[34] On April 10, 2022, Monk put up a then-career-high 41 points in a 146–141 win over the Denver Nuggets. ^[35]

Sacramento Kings (2022–present)

On July 6, 2022, Monk signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the Sacramento Kings reuniting with his former college teammate De'Aaron Fox. ^{[36] [37]} On February 24, 2023, Monk scored a career-high 45 points in a 176–175 double-overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers, the second-highest-scoring game in NBA history. ^[38] In Game 1 of the Kings' first round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, Monk scored 32 points on perfect 14-of-14 shooting from the free throw line in a 126–123 win. He also tied Ed Macauley's record for the most free throws made without a miss in a playoff debut. ^[39]

On July 6, 2024, Monk re-signed with the Kings. ^[40] Monk signed a 4-year contract worth 78 million dollars. It was a max allowed contract by the Kings incentivized with a player-option in the fourth year. ^[41]

Career statistics

Legend

GP	Games played	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field goal percentage	3P%	3-point field goal percentage	FT%	Free throw percentage
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks per game	PPG	Points per game	Bold	Career high

NBA

Regular season

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2017–18	Charlotte	63	0	13.5	.360	.342	.842	1.0	1.4	.3	.1	6.7
2018–19	Charlotte	73	0	17.2	.387	.330	.882	1.9	1.6	.5	.3	8.9
2019–20	Charlotte	55	1	21.3	.434	.284	.820	2.9	2.1	.5	.3	10.3
2020–21	Charlotte	42	0	20.9	.434	.401	.819	2.4	2.1	.5	.1	11.7
2021–22	L.A. Lakers	76	37	28.1	.473	.391	.795	3.4	2.9	.8	.4	13.8
2022–23	Sacramento	77	0	22.3	.448	.359	.889	2.6	3.9	.6	.3	13.5
2023–24	Sacramento	72	0	26.0	.443	.350	.829	2.9	5.1	.6	.5	15.4
Career		458	38	21.6	.433	.355	.844	2.5	2.8	.6	.3	11.6

Play-in

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2021	Charlotte	1	0	19.1	.500	.600	–	1.0	2.0	.0	.0	13.0
Career		1	0	19.1	.500	.600	–	1.0	2.0	.0	.0	13.0

Playoffs

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2023	Sacramento	7	0	29.3	.409	.333	.898	5.4	3.6	.7	.4	19.0
Career		7	0	29.3	.409	.333	.898	5.4	3.6	.7	.4	19.0

College

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2016–17	Kentucky	38	37	32.1	.450	.397	.822	2.5	2.3	.9	.5	19.8

Personal life

Monk was born to Jackie Monk and Michael Scales and is the younger brother of former Arkansas All-SEC wide receiver Marcus Monk. ^{[42] [43]}

References

1. Bartholomew, Dustin (August 7, 2013). "Razorback recruiting target Malik Monk moving to Bentonville". Fayetteville Flyer. Retrieved July 13, 2019.
2. Smith, Cam (July 10, 2015). "Nike EYBL Peach Jam: Malik Monk knows he's No. 1, whether you believe it or not". USA TODAY High School Sports. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
3. "Malik Monk wins MVP award at Nike Global Challenge". USA TODAY High School Sports. July 18, 2015. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
4. "Malik Monk spurns home-state team Arkansas, Commits to Kentucky". www.si.com. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
5. "No.5 recruit Malik Monk commits to Kentucky". ESPN . Retrieved March 23, 2023.
6. Muck, Jeremy (March 28, 2016). "All-Arkansas Preps Boys Player of the Year Malik Monk: The best I've ever seen". nwaonline.com. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
7. "Future Kentucky guards De'Aaron Fox, Malik Monk share MVP at Jordan Brand Classic". usatodayhss.com. Retrieved July 14, 2019.
8. "McDonald's All-American roster feature four Kentucky Wildcats". ESPN . Retrieved March 23, 2023.
9. "Kentucky Men's Basketball Signs Six in Fall Signing Period". University of Kentucky. November 19, 2015. Archived from the original on March 28, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
10. "2016 Top Basketball Recruits". 247Sports . Retrieved August 30, 2023.
11. "Class of 2016 ESPN 100". ESPN.com . Retrieved August 30, 2023.
12. "USA Today Sports' 2016 Composite Basketball Recruiting rankings". USA Today High School Sports. May 6, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
13. "Malik Monk – Basketball Recruiting – Player Profiles". ESPN . Retrieved March 23, 2023.
14. "Malik Monk, 2016 Shooting guard". Rivals . Retrieved August 30, 2023.
15. "Malik Monk, Bentonville, Shooting guard". 247Sports . Retrieved August 30, 2023.
16. Borzello, Jeff (November 18, 2015). "No. 5 recruit Malik Monk commits to Kentucky". ESPN . Retrieved March 23, 2023.
17. "Malik Monk caps record-setting night with game-winning 3-pointer".
18. "Kentucky beats Ole Miss on Monk's 34 points". ESPN.com. March 23, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
19. "No.5 Kentucky tops No.24 South Carolina 85–69 for SEC lead". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
20. "Georgia vs. Kentucky - Box Score - January 31, 2017 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
21. "No.11 Kentucky rallies past No.13 Florida 76–66". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
22. "No.9 Kentucky rallies past Vanderbilt 73–67". ESPN.com. February 28, 2017. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
23. "2017 SEC Men's Basketball Awards Announced". secsports.com. Southeastern Conference. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
24. Borzello, Jeff (April 4, 2017). "Malik Monk declares for NBA draft". ESPN . Retrieved March 23, 2023.
25. Malik Monk leaves UK for NBA draft. (2017, Apr 04). University Wire https://go.openathens.net/redirector/uky.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/wire-feeds/malik-monk-leaves-uk-nba-draft/docview/1883621891/se-2
26. "Malik Monk slips to Hornets at No.11 Overall in 2017 NBA Draft". www.bleacherreport.com. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
27. "Charlotte Hornets sign Malik Monk". NBA.com . Retrieved July 2, 2017.
28. ^[ dead link ‍]
29. "Walker, Monk lead Hornets past Bucks 126–121". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
30. "Hornets Recall Malik Monk From Greensboro Swarm". NBA.com. December 27, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
31. "Hornets guard Malik Monk suspended for violating Anti-Drug Program". NBA.com.
32. "Hornets' Malik Monk reinstated from suspension for violating anti-drug program". ESPN . Retrieved March 23, 2023.
33. "Monk runs wild, scores 36 as Hornets top Heat 129–121 in OT". ESPN.com. February 2, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
34. "Lakers Sign Malik Monk". NBA.com. August 6, 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
35. "Reaves, Monk lead Lakers past Nuggets 146-141 in OT". USA Today. Associated Press. April 10, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
36. "Kings sign Malik Monk". NBA.com. July 6, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
37. "Agent: Malik Monk signing two-year, $19 million deal with Sacramento Kings". ESPN. June 30, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
38. Guinhawa, Angelo (February 24, 2023). "Kawhi Leonard, Clippers, Kings make all sorts of history in insane 176-175 battle". ClutchPoints.com. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
39. Yapkowitz, David (April 15, 2023). "Malik Monk's FT dagger matches playoff record not seen in 66 years". ClutchPoints.com. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
40. "Sacramento Kings Re-Sign Malik Monk". NBA.com. July 6, 2024. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
41. Slater, A., Amick, S., & Puleo, M. (2024, July 20). Why Malik Monk and the Kings quickly agreed to a new deal before free agency. The Athletic. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5580216/2024/06/20/malik-monk-contract-kings/
42. Shupe, Andy (November 20, 2015). "Does Marcus Monk owe Arkansas anything?". Wholehogsports.com. WholeHogSports. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
43. "Malik Monk Kentucky bio". www.ukathletics.com. Retrieved July 14, 2019.

External links

• Career statistics from NBA.com  and  Basketball Reference
• Kentucky Wildcats bio