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Charlotte Hornets: Malik Monk’s progression could help change their math

By Michael Saenz

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 01: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after making a basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during their game at Spectrum Center on November 1, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 01: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after making a basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during their game at Spectrum Center on November 1, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Malik Monk‘s progression heading into his sophomore season in the NBA could help change the math for the Charlotte Hornets in 2018-19

The Charlotte Hornets are an interesting bunch. When you look at their roster, there are a ton of names that you’re going to recognize. At the same time, it’s almost a riddle as to why they’ve missed the playoffs each of the last two seasons.

Kemba Walker has been the team’s one constant through the last handful of seasons. Where as the likes of Nicolas Batum, Marvin Williams have been up and down over the last few years.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist continues to leave a lot to be desired, even as he enters year seven of his NBA career. Adding Tony Parker should help, but at the same time it’s not fair for the Hornets to expect much to change. Parker is in the back end of his NBA career, and will likely have a bigger impact in the locker room than on the hardwood.

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One interesting player that could change the entire equation for the Hornets, though, is Malik Monk. Even though he struggled for much of his rookie season, he’s an extremely talented offensive player that should thrive in the new NBA.

During his rookies season, Monk only averaged seven points on 36 percent from the field and 34 percent from 3-point range. Despite those stats not being the most impressive, he did improve towards the latter portion of the season.

In the last 15 games, Monk averaged 13 points per game on 41 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent from 3-point range. During the last five games of the season, he played exceptionally well. Over the last month of the season (five games), Monk averaged 20 points on 48 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent from distance.

In other words, Monk was beginning to improve as his season came to a close. There was certainly some things to like after getting off to a rough start.

Why is that important? Well, it’s simple. The Hornets desperately need a second option to Walker. The team knows what they’re going to get from Kemba. He’s going to lead the team in scoring and be electric in crunch time.

Related Story. NBA: 7 stars that we may have seen the last of heading into 2018-19. light

Developing a second star could change the entire outlook – and potentially ceiling – for the Hornets in 2018-19. Malik Monk might be the player with the best chance of claiming that role this season.

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