‣ Malik Monk is the current favorite for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, significantly contributing to coach Mike Brown’s strategy and facing a critical free agency decision after this season.
‣ Despite the uncertainty of his future, Monk has expressed a strong desire to stay with the Sacramento Kings, citing his comfort in the city and the bond he has formed with the community and team.
‣ Monk’s performance off the bench is unparalleled in the league this season, with statistics that place him in a unique position among Sixth Man of the Year candidates, and he acknowledges the need for consistency and improvement to secure the award.
Malik Monk this season:
• 🪣 15.9 PPG
• 🪙 5.3 APG
• 🎯 2.2 3PMEvery player that has averaged those numbers off the bench has gone on to win 6MOY.
— StatMamba (@StatMamba)
Details
Malik Monk is currently the hot favorite for the Sixth Man of the Year award. It’s all thanks to his crucial role in Coach Mike Brown’s nightly strategies. But, there’s a twist. With free agency on the horizon, Monk faces a tough choice this offseason. He’s likely to snag a sweet deal, no matter where he lands.
In a candid chat with the press, Monk spilled the beans on his looming decision. He mentioned that the Kings’ playoff performance might sway his choice. Yet, he couldn’t hide his fondness for Sacramento, saying he’d “love” to stay. “Depends on the postseason,” he mused, “But yeah, I’ve grown to love it here. The city’s embraced me, and I’ve made some solid connections.”
Then, there’s this tweet that caught everyone’s eye. It highlighted Monk’s impressive season stats: 15.9 points per game, 5.3 assists, and a knack for nailing 3-pointers. The tweet hinted at a pattern: players with such bench stats usually clinch the 6MOY. Intriguing, right?
Monk isn’t just any player; he’s a bench hero. Averaging 15.9 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in just over 26 minutes per game, he’s in a league of his own. With 1,050 bench points and 300 assists, he’s outpaced everyone else. No one else has even hit 900 points yet.
His journey with Coach Brown began in the summer of 2022. They shared a pivotal moment that first season, a conversation that Monk credits as a turning point in his career. It propelled him to the top of the bench players’ list. “You’ve played this many minutes,” Brown reminisced, “Do you know how many charges you’ve taken?” Monk was clueless. Brown elaborated on a humorous incident where Monk’s attempt at taking a charge ended in a comical mishap. Yet, it counted.
Monk knows what’s at stake for the Sixth Man of the Year award. When prodded about his chances, he admitted there’s room for improvement. More consistency could mean more minutes and shots, he pondered. Meanwhile, Coach Brown, in his second year with the Kings, has seen a transformation in Sacramento, leading them to their first playoff in nearly 17 years.
Brown’s strategy? Discipline and physicality. He’s pushed Monk hard in these areas, seeing “drastic improvement” in a surprisingly short time. “There’s no way he does that last year,” Brown said, visibly impressed by Monk’s growth.
So, as the season unfolds, Monk’s future with the Kings hangs in the balance. His performance, coupled with the team’s playoff journey, will likely dictate his next move. But one thing’s clear: Sacramento has left a mark on Monk, and the feeling seems mutual. Will he stay, or will he go? Time will tell.
