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Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk is taking part in the most effective basketball of his profession, which might lead to an NBA award by the tip of the season and a large pay elevate this summer season.
Whereas in New York over a current East Coast street journey, Monk, Kings stars Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, and coach Mike Brown spoke with HoopsHype about Monk’s Sixth Man of the Yr candidacy and the significance of re-signing Monk in free company.
Monk’s Sixth Man of the Yr candidacy
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In accordance with HoopsHype’s Global Rating, Monk is among the many top candidates for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Yr award, together with Naz Reid, Bobby Portis, and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
“Monk has to win it,” Sabonis advised HoopsHype. “If he doesn’t win it, it’s rigged. He undoubtedly brings vitality and light-weight. If we’re down, he’s all the time up and in an excellent temper off the courtroom, too, so that basically helps throughout a protracted season with ups and downs.”
Monk has made a robust case for the award, rating forward of Reid and Portis in factors per sport (15.4) and all 4 gamers in assists (5.1) this season. Bogdanovic leads the group in scoring (16.8), whereas Portis leads in rebounding (7.3).
“There aren’t many guys on the market coming off the bench averaging 15 factors and 5 assists on good effectivity,” Fox advised HoopsHype. “He impacts the sport in several methods. If he wants to attain 30, he does it. If he must have six or eight assists, he’s completed it. I feel he’s pretty much as good as anyone coming off the bench.”
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When requested by HoopsHype the place he stacks up within the award race, Monk answered with out hesitation.
“Primary, 1,000 %,” Monk advised HoopsHype. “I feel I used to be primary final yr, too. I hoped. I really feel like I ought to win it this yr for positive. I really feel like no person off the bench does what I do for the crew, particularly not simply scoring however facilitating and making performs on the defensive finish now far more than ever. I feel I carry all the things off the bench, and I undoubtedly ought to win.”
At instances, a crew’s report within the standings can impression votes for a person award. Within the Sixth Man of the Yr race, Reid’s Timberwolves will end among the many prime groups within the West. Portis’ Bucks should climate the storm for the remainder of the common season, likely without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Monk’s Kings are nonetheless preventing for a possible playoff berth, whereas Bogdanovic’s Hawks are locked right into a Play-In spot.
“It mustn’t even be a debate on Sixth Man of the Yr with Malik’s physique of labor and us preventing for a playoff spot,” Kings coach Mike Brown advised HoopsHype. “He ought to be the hands-down winner.”
Monk’s free company
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Monk is just not solely one of many prime Sixth Man of the Yr candidates, he’s additionally among the many top unrestricted free agents available on the market this summer season.
“We higher hold him,” Sabonis advised HoopsHype when requested about Monk’s looming free company. “I feel there’s no excuse. I’ll discuss to Monte (McNair) and Vivek (Ranadivé). We’ve bought to maintain him. He’s a giant piece for us shifting ahead.”
Monk has now appeared in 72 or extra video games in three straight seasons and has been a constant participant for Sacramento following his two-year, $19.4 million deal in the summertime of 2022. Heading into free company this summer season, Sacramento has Early Fowl Rights on Monk and may signal him as much as a four-year, $78 million contract.
With Monk out attributable to a sprained MCL in his proper knee, he admitted the damage has made him assume extra about his upcoming free company, however famous he’s additionally leery of inserting any expectations on his free company value vary this summer season.
“I’m snug in Sacramento,” Monk advised HoopsHype. “I’d like to play right here once more, for positive. I’ve been right here for 2 years and made pals with everybody, together with the coaching workers and entrance workplace. I’d like to be again right here.”
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A key to Monk’s consolation degree in Sacramento has been reuniting with Fox, his former faculty teammate at Kentucky. Within the years since their days as Wildcats, Fox famous Monk has change into a considerably improved playmaker in pick-and-roll units after being restricted to catch-and-shoot jumpers or pull-up jumpers off one dribble in faculty.
Monk’s chemistry with Fox, adoration from Sabonis, and his relationship with coach Brown have helped him thrive in a profession season and will solidify Sacramento as his long-term residence.
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“It’s simply as simple to see how necessary Malik is for our group,” coach Brown advised HoopsHype. “He’s liked by his teammates, the group, and the town. Hopefully, his free company gained’t final too lengthy and he’ll be a King long run!”
You’ll be able to observe Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) on X, previously often known as Twitter.
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