The Sacramento Kings are gearing up for the 2024-25 season with four spots in their starting lineup already decided. De’Aaron Fox, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, and the newly added DeMar DeRozan will take these positions.
Choosing the Fifth Starter:
Coach Mike Brown is still pondering over who will fill the fifth spot. Although Malik Monk is a fantastic scorer and athlete, he won’t be starting. Instead, Keon Ellis or Kevin Huerter might get that chance.
As noted by the Sacramento Bee, “Monk, last season’s runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year, will likely continue to be one of the NBA’s most explosive reserves.” Monk is now entering his eighth year in the league and his third with Sacramento.
Malik Monk’s Journey:
Back at Kentucky during his college days, Monk was an All-American alongside Fox. They led their team to the NCAA tournament’s Elite Eight. In an unforgettable game against North Carolina on December 17, 2016, Monk scored a whopping 47 points.
Drafted as the 11th pick in 2017 by Charlotte Hornets, Monk later played for Los Angeles Lakers before joining Sacramento on July 6, 2022. During the 2023-24 season with Sacramento Kings, he ranked as their third-leading scorer after Fox and Sabonis. He had an incredible game against Minnesota Timberwolves on March 1 where he scored 39 points leading them to an overtime win.
A New Contract:
On July 6, 2024—two years after first signing with them—Monk renewed his contract with Sacramento for four more years worth $78 million! Fans really love him here!
In another report from Sacramento Bee, Monk shared that staying was all about feeling appreciated by both city folks and team members alike.
it’s official; he’s here to stay
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings)
The Importance of Being a Sixth Man:
Even though Monk hasn’t started any games out of his total appearances for Sacramento so far (149), he’s often there when it matters most—at crunch time!
Coach Brown emphasized how crucial this role can be: “I’ve been lucky enough,” said Brown while comparing him favorably alongside legendary sixth men like Manu Ginobili & Andre Iguodala who together won eight championships mostly coming off benches themselves! At times we feel like having such talent available whenever needed makes all difference between winning or losing games.”
