Since the start of the season, Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings has been in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year.
But he may not be a sixth man for much longer.
According to Evan Sidery, the Kings have moved Monk into the starting lineup for the “foreseeable future.”
The Kings have moved Sixth Man of the Year candidate Malik Monk into the starting lineup for the foreseeable future.
Sacramento had previously started Keon Ellis and Kevin Huerter, but Monk now joins De’Aaron Fox in their backcourt long-term as they look for a spark. pic.twitter.com/5BoC8B0vht
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 2, 2024
Sidery said the change is an attempt to “look for a spark” within the team’s backcourt.
A spark is definitely something that Monk can bring.
The 26-year-old guard is averaging 15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season, shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from the three-point line.
He has been one of the most reliable bench players in the league for years now, and he could provide a huge boost to the starting lineup.
But will this change hurt the team’s second unit and make them more shallow?
There is definitely a risk here, and many NBA teams have been hurt by promoting a bench player to the starting lineup.
Teams sometimes mess with their chemistry and how their starting five works, even if they are making changes with the best intentions.
Head coach Mike Brown is going to work with this change for the time being and see if it helps the Kings secure more wins and climb in the standings.
If the inclusion of Monk does great things for Sacramento, they will make more adjustments to fill the void he leaves on the bench.
This could work out very well for the Kings, or it could be a mistake.
Right now, they are willing to take a chance and find out.
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