Detroit Pistons free agent options: Malik Monk – Unrestricted
Malik Monk has emerged this year as one of the only bright spots for the Lakers. The former Kentucky Wildcat guard has put up some solid numbers this season, averaging 13.7 points (career high) 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists. He’s doing this on 46 percent shooting from the field (career high) and 39 percent from three. His low usage rate of 18.7 percent shows he can play along side other players and still get his.
The twenty four year old has flourished even though the Lakers have not, and he may be looking for a bigger role with an up and coming team where he can get to the next level.
Malik Monk may have figured things out in his fifth season. He’s scoring the basketball efficiently from outside now. His last two seasons he’s shooting 40 percent from 3-point range on over five attempts per game. That’s a huge increase from the previous two seasons, where he shot 28 percent and 33 percent respectively.
He’s had the luxury to play on a Lakers roster with several first ballot hall of famers. Watching film, talking basketball, and picking their brains after practice has proven to help him. He’s having career highs in points, and field goal percentage, with the confidence they’ve instilled in him during this Lakers stint.
He could be a less expensive option at guard than Collin Sexton, or Jalen Brunson, both of whom will look to cash in big this offseason. Monk could be the steal out of these three guards moving forward.
Sexton is coming off a major injury, you never know how it could affect him moving forward. Brunson is solid and one of the best guards on market but it’s possible he’ll be overpaid for his production.
Malik Monk could provide similar production for half the price. Troy Weaver knows that, and his Detroit Pistons should be first in line to call about Monk’s services.