Charlotte Hornets: The defensive dynamism of Malik Monk

Overall, Malik Monk’s defense is a very promising part of his game. Like the offense, there are still issues that need ironing out, but Monk’s worked on the biggest issue on his defense throughout his first two years, which was his defensive awareness. He’s got the athletic tools to make the improvements that would turn his flashes of brilliance into nightly lockdown in the Spectrum Centre.

But there is a legitimate question over which role best suits Monk. Is the optimized hounding opposing point guards and using his length and lateral quickness to cut off opposing offenses at the source, or is he best suited organizing a group of athletic defenders and playing a more nuanced off-ball role?

Part of Monk’s defensive role may also rely on how much he can develop on offense, and whether or not the Charlotte Hornets will need to pair Monk with a small point-guard down the road.

On paper, the Hornets best starting backcourt for next season may be Malik Monk paired with Devonte’ Graham…in that pairing, what role does Monk play?

But regardless of Monk’s role on defense, he has tirelessly worked on his attentiveness and understanding to become a core piece of Borrego’s defensive identity.

So to answer your question Rick; yes, Malik Monk can meet the Charlotte Hornets’ defensive priority.