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NBA Comparison: Malik Monk

By Alex Eddy

Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) reacts after a three-point basket against the Wichita State Shockers during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Joseph-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) reacts after a three-point basket against the Wichita State Shockers during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Joseph-USA TODAY Sports /
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Hardwood Houdini Pro Comparisons

Malik Monk is the best shooting guard prospect in this year’s draft. He is a tremendous shooter, with great bounce and athleticism. Not many shooting guards have this unique combination. Monk averaged over 20 points per game during his freshman regular season for Kentucky. He is a born scorer. His 47 point performance against North Carolina brought Monk to the national spotlight. He has become one of the more intriguing prospects.

Here we provide a best case scenario comparison for Monk, in which he reaches his full potential. We will also provide a more realistic comparison, in which Monk does not show much more improvement when he gets to the NBA. Monk will most likely land somewhere between these two NBA comparisons.

Mar 19, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) knocked the ball away from Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (3) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) knocked the ball away from Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (3) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Best Case Scenario: C.J. McCollum 

Just like Monk, McCollum is an undersized born scorer at the shooting guard position. McCollum has now averaged over 20 points per game for two consecutive seasons. He is not only a 3-point threat, but he can get to the rim and can be effective from mid range. Monk has primarily been a 3-point threat this year for Kentucky. He hasn’t really shown much of a mid range game, and he doesn’t attack the basket as much as he should.

Monk is definitely more athletic than McCollum, and has much more bounce in his step, which is why Monk should not always settle for perimeter jump shots. McCollum doesn’t have elite athleticism, but he is very crafty when finishing around the rim.

Both players can score in bunches, and both require point guard duties. Monk will need to learn to play some point guard in the NBA, and will need to improve his playmaking abilities. Monk is the type of player that can average around 20 points for a season, like McCollum.

Feb 26, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Pepsi Center. The Grizzlies won 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Pepsi Center. The Grizzlies won 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Realistic Comparison: Jamal Murray 

For the realistic comparison, we have a former wildcat, Jamal Murray. Just like Monk at Kentucky, Murray was a 3-point specialist. He showed flashes of getting to the rim, but primarily was a perimeter threat. Again, both are undersized shooting guards, who also have point guard responsibilities.

Monk again is the superior athlete. However, Monk and Murray are very similar in the fact that they can have a 20+ point performance one night, and then be completely irrelevant the next night if their 3-point shots are not falling. Both are too dependent on their 3-point shooting.

Monk will need to expand his offensive game. He is too gifted to settle for perimeter shots. Although shooting will be a crucial part of his game, being able to attack the basket and finish will make him a far better offensive player.

Next: NBA Comparison: Lonzo Ball

Monk will definitely be a top ten pick (probably top seven). You don’t find many players with his shooting abilities, combined with his elite athleticism. If Monk can bring the entire offensive package together, and learn to be more of a facilitator, he can become a great NBA player.