Charlotte Hornets: Malik Monk is ready for a bigger role
It may be Malik Monk‘s time to shine as the Charlotte Hornets are set to give their first-round pick more minutes going forward.
Michael Carter-Williams‘ shoulder injury has thrust Malik Monk into a larger role. The Charlotte Hornets‘ rookie is ready to embrace the opportunity. He said that “I don’t get nervous. I’ve been waiting to play my whole life. I’m ready. I’m ready whenever they throw me out there, and I’m going to try to do my best every time.” (TheCharlottePost.com)
With MCW set to be out for an extended period of time and potentially the rest of the season, Monk should be in for a bigger role with increased minutes as the primary backup to Kemba Walker. It’s a chance for the 6’3 guard to prove himself to not only Steve Clifford but to everyone after spending most of the campaign on the bench.
In his first game since Michael’s injury, the 11th overall pick in 2017 scored nine points in 16 minutes. Malik hasn’t scored in double-figures since early-November but with more playing time to close out the season, he should be able to reach that mark more than a few times.
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Malik will only learn and get better with more in-game action. He’s shown flashes of brilliance but his consistency is still lacking. Once he finds his groove, the 20-year old should be more comfortable with his decision making and with leading the Hornets’ second unit.
Both Coach Clifford and Nicolas Batum spoke about Monk’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Charlotte’s head coach said that he played “fine” while Nic said that Malik is “getting more mature” and that he “did a better job” with his shot selection.
Monk added: “I’m just learning every day. I’m trying to learn from Kemba and all the great guards here. I have to get other people involved, and then my game will come to me.”
At the beginning of the season when Carter-Williams was recovering from a procedure that he had on both knees, Malik was the backup point guard. He recorded five games of 10+ points in his first 11 outings, two with 20+ points and one with eight assists.
In his limited playing time, there have been glimpses of the talent that made Monk such an intriguing and exciting prospect coming out of college. His athleticism, shooting range and ability to catch fire at a moments notice led to him being a lottery selection.
The hope is that in extended minutes and with a bigger role, Malik will be able to further showcase his skillset and continue his development. If he can have a strong finish to the season, Monk may be able to build some confidence and take that into the summer and next year.
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Having Kemba Walker as a mentor should help Malik Monk immensely as he had a few struggles early in his career as well. If the Charlotte Hornets continue to fall further out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, they may be more inclined to give additional minutes to their young players like Monk, fellow rookie Dwayne Bacon and newly-acquired Willy Hernangomez.