Make no mistake: Malik Monk is a key part of everything good happening to the Sacramento Kings right now. The shooting guard emerged to become the leader of the squad’s second unit in the two seasons he’s been at the Golden 1 Center.
Because of his strong showing last season, it wouldn’t have been strange to see Monk accept a big-money deal and be a starter for another team that needs a capable shooting guard. However, he shocked fans by staying with the Kings for a team-friendly four years, $78 million.
While the team and its fans happily welcomed Monk’s return for more years as the lynchpin of the second unit, some couldn’t hide their surprise at his decision to stay put. One teammate of his thought that he’s definitely on the way out of the squad.
Domantas Sabonis thought Malik Monk would leave the Sacramento Kings in the 2024 offseason
Basketball Forever’s Duncan McColl wrote about the Gonzaga product’s reaction to Monk’s decision. He was convinced that the guard was on his way out of the team when their season ended early:
“I was actually very surprised,” Sabonis said, via Brenden Nunes). “I was talking to him a lot during the year and I thought we really lost him, but I’m happy he stayed. I think it’s the best decision for him and for us.”
Sabonis was asked about the paycut Monk took to stay with the team and he joked that Monk stayed so he could keep being teammates with the center.
“I just think he didn’t want to leave me, that’s the main thing,” Sabonis said. “I’m happy he’s here. He’s one of the most important players on our team. Having him on and off the court with us has helped us a lot these last three years.”
Monk’s been a terrific performer for the Kings last season, enjoying a career year with averages of 15.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 5.1 APG on a 44.3%/35.0%/82.9% shooting clip. Kings fans can expect more of the same from him as the Kings build to make a deeper playoff run.
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