Malik Monk
One of the bigger surprises during free agency in 2021 was Malik Monk. He had struggled to consistently find his footing during his first four seasons in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets, but it was still shocking that he signed a veteran’s minimum deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
In a season filled with so much negativity, Monk was one of the few positives for the purple and gold last season. Monk showed an improved 3-point stroke, as he knocked down 39.1 percent of a healthy 5.5 attempts per game. That alone will garner him plenty of attention on the free-agent market.
Monk should not be relegated to just spotting up around the perimeter, as he possesses a much more dynamic offensive game. He can get things done as the ball handler in pick-and-roll as a scorer and is a solid playmaker, averaging nearly four assists per 75 possessions in his career.
That kind of skill set is one that should be garnering a lot more attention in free agency. Only 24 years old, Monk is likely just scratching the surface of his potential. He just needs a team that will be willing to provide him a chance to continue spreading his wings as the Lakers did last season.
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A capable playmaker that can fill up the basket, Monk’s skills on offense provide him a chance to be a net positive despite some inconsistencies on the defensive side of the ball. While not a perfect player, there are a lot more positives to his game than negatives.
