Charlotte Hornets Training Camp: What’s on the line for each player

The starting shooting guard spot

Malik Monk enters his third season with many hopes and expectations. He’ll be in a battle with Nicolas Batum during training camp for the starting shooting guard position. We haven’t heard much from Monk this summer, but could this be the year the talented guard makes a jump and becomes a permanent starter?

He’s been a bit of a disappointment during his first two years, averaging 7.9 points on 39 percent shooting. He’s shown flashes of what made him the 11th overall pick in 2017, but has struggled with consistency. Hopefully this is the year he puts the pieces to the puzzle together.

I still believe in Monk. I was very high on him when he entered the NBA, and even though his career has gotten off to a slow start, he still has plenty of time to salvage it. He’s an explosive athlete and a deadly scorer, but must improve his decision making and perimeter defense.

Batum is a safer, veteran option for the Hornets, but starting Monk might be the way the Hornets  want to go. It may be time to unleash him and let him play through all of his mistakes. Part of his struggles have been due to him having such a short leash and inconsistent role.

I firmly believe that Monk will turn things around in 2019-20 and will easily have the best season of his young career.