Malik Monk knows it's time put up or shut up next season. The 21-year-old University of Kentucky product enters his third NBA season come the fall and the first without All-Star point guard Kemba Walker leading the Michael Jordan–owned Charlotte Hornets.
Here's what Monk had to say about his own personal expectations for the 2019-20 season (via Sam Perley in NBA.com):
“I’ve never not played before [coming to the NBA],” Monk stated. “I’ve always been the best guy on the court. I’ve never not gotten fifteen, twenty shots, but I’m playing five minutes or less [sometimes]. It was a big challenge for me, but it’s what you have to do as a basketball player. There’re 20 other NBA guys just like you or who probably do more than you. You just have to wait your turn, wait for your opportunity and I’ve got a big opportunity this year.”
The Hornets are expected to be one of the bottom-dwellers in the Association next season following the loss of Walker. In Kemba's stead, Charlotte signed big money to former Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier.
Nevertheless, the lottery pick Monk has an opportunity to put up big numbers and start getting ahold of the reins of the Hornets team alongside last year's draft selection Miles Bridges out of Michigan State.
In two seasons with Charlotte, the 6-foot-3 streaky shooter Monk averaged 7.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in 136 appearances, shooting 37.6% from the floor, 33.5% from deep, and 87.1% from the free throw line.
It's not what you want from Monk, who was selected to be a strong outside shooter for Buzz City. However, there is hope that an expanded role within Charlotte's offense could release Monk and establish the rising junior as a workable NBA starter.
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