Malik Monk’s first three games as a starter for the Sacramento Kings have gone as well as you could hope, outside of the team’s record being 1-2. Monk has averaged 19.7 points, 7.7 assists (with just 0.7 turnovers), 3.3 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and is shooting 48.1% from three. Monk is playing nearly 8 more minutes per game, bringing his per game average up to 343.4, which needed to happen a long time ago. In short, Monk has responded well to finally getting an opportunity to start for the Sacramento Kings.
But it was a long road to become a starter, as Mike Brown insisted on keeping Malik Monk as his Super 6th Man for over two years. Despite a slew of injuries and opportunities over the years, Brown would never move Monk into a starting role, perhaps knowing that Monk would thrive and Brown would never be able to justify returning Monk to the bench. Whatever the reason, I thought it would be fun to reflect back on every player Mike Brown started before finally giving Monk the nod.
I should note, I never thought it was a big deal to keep Monk with the bench unit. I just thought he needed more minutes even if he was coming off the bench. The Kings current lack of bench production with Monk in the starting lineup supports the reasoning behind having Monk play in the second unit. That said, clearly Monk helps the Kings get off to stronger starts, and Mike Brown needs to find better ways to balance his rotations.
Without further ado, in an order roughly ranking players from “well that makes sense” to “what the hell, Mike Brown”, here is the full list of player Mike Brown started before he finally starter Malik Monk:
De’Aaron Fox
Domantas Sabonis
Harrison Barnes
DeMar DeRozan
Keegan Murray
Kevin Huerter
Trey Lyles
Keon Ellis
Davion Mitchell
Alex Len
Jae Crowder
Terence Davis
Chris Duarte
Richaun Holmes
Doug McDermott
Kessler Edwards
KZ Okpala
K. Z. Goddamn. Okpala.
What the hell, Mike Brown.
Well said, Greg.
My personal favorite was starting Jae Crowder over Monk about 5 minutes after Crowder got his jersey. Another fun count: how many times has Huerter been sent to the bench for a few games and Monk not been the guy to replace him? The mind reels.
Are you being intentionally obtuse? The game I’m referring to, Ellis started at the 2 and Huerter played 14 minutes off the bench. Given that Ellis has now averaged 1mpg over the last 2, perhaps a lineup of Monk at SG and Huerter at the 3 would have been reasonable?
Have the receipts on that?
Honestly after reading this list it’s even more miraculous that he re-signed with us. Playing with your best friend is priceless I guess though.
You beat me to it LOL
Glad Monk is starting. His increase in minutes is definitely needed to put points up when the team is not shooting well.
WOW! Never thought of it like this. Most of that list is cringey. Makes it surprising Monk chose to resign here.
Monk is just a dynamite pick and roll player, and he and Sabonis are an incredible pair together. Better than Fox and Sabonis. His passes to Sabonis are perfection. He’s also a better 3 point shooter off the dribble than Fox. The Kings have a lot of weaknesses but guard offense is not one of them when Fox and Monk start. If they’re gonna be a .500 team, might as well enjoy the offense.
My favorite stat of MM starter ers:
2 Turnovers. 2 v. SAS, None v. Rox, none v. Grizz
That is remarkable. I am not the biggest Monk fan because he is a high risk high reward player. Home Run hitter. A No-No-No-Yes (or Geez!) player.
Not the starter version. He is at a higher level, IMO.
I like him as the starting PG, Fox is your SG. (a la Spida/Garland).
Get your best 5 guys out there and sub out the minutes – but at a regular rhythm.
just my opinion
Unfortunately, it hasn’t seemed to matter in the least when it comes to W-L.
When Monk shoots I always assume it’s going on. That’s a compliment enough with this team
It’s ok to admit you and MB were wrong, he should’ve started a long time ago. He does more than just score, great playmaker too and high energy. We need that out of the gate, obvious decision.
I’ve never understood Monk coming off the bench. You put your 5 best players on the floor to start a game. That’s basic coaching 101. If you have some depth issues, that’s on your GM. Tell them what you need and make them go get it for you.
No offense to Kevin, but Monk has proven to be a better basketball player. The rest of the names on that list outside of starters at other positions (Holmes at the 2!? Sabonis!?!?) shouldn’t have ever been given the nod over Monk and wouldn’t have for about 95% of coaches around the league, I all but guarantee you.
Outside of the poor start to the season, it will be these types of coaching strategies that will see his superb welcome worn out in short order in Sacramento. The question is, can the franchise find someone who actually increases this team’s win total. I’m not so sure and I’d be carefully certain that the players would accept such a change before making it, if that’s even possible.
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