Is Malik Monk big enough to be 2 guard in NBA? The Sixers need one.
Monk scored 30 or more points four times as a freshman in his only season at Kentucky.
Critics wonder whether Malik Monk lacks the size to become a standout shooting guard in the NBA.
Nobody questions his shooting ability. He averaged 19.8 points while shooting 39.7 percent on three-pointers in his lone season at Kentucky.
But at 6-foot-3 Monk is considered undersize at his position by NBA standards. That could be a matchup problem, especially on defense.
Just don't tell that to Monk's former Kentucky teammate De'Aaron Fox. The point guard and Monk formed one of the NCAA's top backcourts this season. Both players are projected to be top-seven picks in the June 22 draft. And each could be an option for the 76ers, who have the third overall pick.
Fox believes Monk's height concerns are unwarranted.
"One guy I always use is [Boston Celtics shooting guard] Avery Bradley," Fox said. "He locks down [shooting guards]. I don't think Malik will have a problem with playing the two or playing off ball. He can play on ball, but he's probably best off the ball."
Monk is listed as being taller than the 6-2 Bradley, who was an all-defensive first-team selection last season. This season, Bradley averaged career bests in points (16.3 per game), rebounds (6.1) and assists (2.2).
"So I don't think Malik will have a problem playing the two," Fox said.
Monk scored 20 or more points in 19 of the Wildcats' 38 games. His highlight was a 47-point effort in a 103-100 victory over eventual national champion North Carolina on Dec. 17. He made 8 of 12 three-pointers that game. He also had 34-, 37- and 33-point efforts during his lone season at Kentucky.
"First, don't let him get hot," Fox said. "If he gets hot, then it's over."
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