Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk has turned into one of the most valuable weapons off the bench in the NBA. The odds on the favorite to win the Sixth Man Award this season, Monk has been providing the team with excellent production with the second unit.
On the season, he is averaging 15.9 points, 5.3 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 26.5 minutes per game. He is in a league of his own when it comes to bench production, as he is the only player with 1,050 bench points or 300 assists. No one else has reached even 900 points or the 300-assist mark off the bench this season.
Monk has found that perfect balance between scorer and facilitator coming off the bench. He has the tools to be a high-volume shooter but possesses a playmaking ability that players tasked with leading a second unit rarely have.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Malik Monk, 2024 NBA Free Agency, Sacramento Kings Updates
That has made him an integral part of Mike Brown’s game plan every night. But, Monk will be coming to a crossroads during the 2024 NBA offseason. Set to hit free agency, he should be in line for a lucrative contract.
While speaking to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Monk revealed some of his thoughts on free agency. How the team performs in the NBA Playoffs will play a part, but he has found a level of comfortability with the Kings he had yet to find in his career.
“Depends on what we do in the postseason, as well,” Monk said. “But I’d love to be here, man. Got comfortable here. Made a lot of new friends, met a lot of great people. The city loves me. I love the city. “So, yeah, I’d love to come back.”
Monk has shown legitimate growth in his skill set on the court. Not only is his offensive production excellent, he has made strides as a defender. Brown has gotten him to buy in, as he puts more effort in on the defensive side of the ball than he was in his first season in Sacramento.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Malik Monk, 2024 NBA Free Agency, Sacramento Kings Updates
That, along with only being 26 years old, will make him a popular target in free agency among teams with cap space. Being offered a larger role, potentially as a starter instead of coming off the bench, is something that could appeal to Monk as it would any player.
But, this is something the Kings have been preparing for. They made moves during the offseason to clear some cap space and 100 percent want to get him back in the fold. Based on Monk’s comments, the feeling is likely mutual.
Alas, Monk knows that the NBA is a business and how quickly things can turn. He isn’t ready to rule anything out, as all options will remain on the table. But, he is certainly hoping that the Kings are the best option once the offseason rolls around.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
