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Three Hornets Who Can Replace Kemba Walker’s Production in 2019

By Luke Tucker

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 22: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play against the Washington Wizards during their game at Spectrum Center on February 22, 2019 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, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 22: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play against the Washington Wizards during their game at Spectrum Center on February 22, 2019 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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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 11: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 11, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 11: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 11, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Malik Monk, Guard

Following a mostly disappointing first two NBA seasons, the 2019-2020 campaign offers Malik Monk an opportunity he hasn’t yet had in his career. While he likely won’t be an immediate starter, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Monk take over the starting shooting guard spot if the Hornets start tanking–even if it’s only to see what the Hornets have in him. Charlotte picked up his option for this season, and depending on how he performs this season, could do so again next summer.

The former Kentucky star came into the league with a reputation as one of the smoothest shooters in the 2017 draft. While at Kentucky, Monk led the SEC in three-point percentage as well as three-pointers made on his way to being named the conference player of the year, and later an All-American.

Unfortunately for Charlotte, that success at the college level has yet to translate to the NBA. Part of that is due to playing time. Irregular minutes are one of the hardest things a shooter can go through. It’s impossible to get much of a rhythm with sporadic minutes, and in his defense, he is actually a better shooter than either Walker or Dell Curry at his age. There’s no doubt the offensive potential is there, he just needs to score more consistently.

There have been two main reasons for Monk’s inconsistent playing time, and both of those should be irrelevant this season. The first is the other players on his team. Despite the Hornets hovering around .500 for most of the past couple seasons, the guard play was actually pretty good. Walker was an All-Star, Batum is a $24 million man, and Lamb grew into an above-average shooting guard. Now with Walker and Lamb gone, it opens the door for Monk to at least get regular minutes off the bench. The second reason was his defense. With Charlotte expected to effectively “tank,” the organization likely will be much more interested in his offensive growth.

If Monk can become nothing more than a legitimate three-point threat, his season will be deemed a success. Of the players on this list, Monk has the highest ceiling, and when you add in the fact that he doesn’t turn 22 until February, and the potential becomes that much more enticing.

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