Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk is playing the best basketball of his career, which could result in an NBA award by the end of the season and a sizable pay raise this summer.
While in New York over a recent East Coast road trip, Monk, Kings stars Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, and coach Mike Brown spoke with HoopsHype about Monk’s Sixth Man of the Year candidacy and the importance of re-signing Monk in free agency.
Monk’s Sixth Man of the Year candidacy
According to HoopsHype’s Global Rating, Monk is among the top candidates for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, along with Naz Reid, Bobby Portis, and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
“Monk has to win it,” Sabonis told HoopsHype. “If he doesn’t win it, it’s rigged. He definitely brings energy and light. If we’re down, he’s always up and in a good mood off the court, too, so that really helps during a long season with ups and downs.”
Monk has made a strong case for the award, ranking ahead of Reid and Portis in points per game (15.4) and all four players in assists (5.1) this season. Bogdanovic leads the group in scoring (16.8), while Portis leads in rebounding (7.3).
“There aren’t many guys out there coming off the bench averaging 15 points and five assists on good efficiency,” Fox told HoopsHype. “He affects the game in different ways. If he needs to score 30, he does it. If he needs to have six or eight assists, he’s done it. I think he’s as good as anybody coming off the bench.”
When asked by HoopsHype where he stacks up in the award race, Monk answered without hesitation.
“Number one, 1,000 percent,” Monk told HoopsHype. “I think I was number one last year, too. I was hoping. I feel like I should win it this year for sure. I feel like nobody off the bench does what I do for the team, especially not just scoring but facilitating and making plays on the defensive end now way more than ever. I think I bring everything off the bench, and I definitely should win.”
At times, a team’s record in the standings can impact votes for an individual award. In the Sixth Man of the Year race, Reid’s Timberwolves will finish among the top teams in the West. Portis’ Bucks will have to weather the storm for the rest of the regular season, likely without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Monk’s Kings are still fighting for a potential playoff berth, while Bogdanovic’s Hawks are locked into a Play-In spot.
“It should not even be a debate on Sixth Man of the Year with Malik’s body of work and us fighting for a playoff spot,” Kings coach Mike Brown told HoopsHype. “He should be the hands-down winner.”
Monk’s free agency
Monk is not only one of the top Sixth Man of the Year candidates, he’s also among the top unrestricted free agents on the market this summer.
“We better keep him,” Sabonis told HoopsHype when asked about Monk’s looming free agency. “I think there’s no excuse. I’ll talk to Monte (McNair) and Vivek (Ranadivé). We’ve got to keep him. He’s a big piece for us moving forward.”
Monk has now appeared in 72 or more games in three straight seasons and has been a consistent player for Sacramento following his two-year, $19.4 million deal in the summer of 2022. Heading into free agency this summer, Sacramento has Early Bird Rights on Monk and can sign him up to a four-year, $78 million contract.
With Monk out due to a sprained MCL in his right knee, he admitted the injury has made him think more about his upcoming free agency, but noted he’s also leery of placing any expectations on his free agency price range this summer.
“I’m comfortable in Sacramento,” Monk told HoopsHype. “I’d love to play here again, for sure. I’ve been here for two years and made friends with everyone, including the training staff and front office. I’d love to be back here.”
A key to Monk’s comfort level in Sacramento has been reuniting with Fox, his former college teammate at Kentucky. In the years since their days as Wildcats, Fox noted Monk has become a significantly improved playmaker in pick-and-roll sets after being limited to catch-and-shoot jumpers or pull-up jumpers off one dribble in college.
Monk’s chemistry with Fox, adoration from Sabonis, and his relationship with coach Brown have helped him thrive in a career season and could solidify Sacramento as his long-term home.
“It’s just as easy to see how important Malik is for our organization,” coach Brown told HoopsHype. “He is loved by his teammates, the organization, and the city. Hopefully, his free agency won’t last too long and he’ll be a King long term!”
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