Taking a deeper look at Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk heading into the 2026 season.
The Sacramento Kings have several players who have the ability to score the ball well on this roster, but in particular I believe that veteran guards Malik Monk could make a key impact.
With that said, it is time to take a look at where Monk went to college, his NBA career thus far, and the type of impact he could make for the Kings in 2026.
Starting with Monk's college career, he played for the Kentucky Wildcats for one season which was the 2016-2017 season and during that year he was quite productive.
During the Monk's lone college season in college he averaged 19.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game. Additionally, Monk was very efficient as he shot 45 percent from the field, 39.7 percent from three, and 82.2 percent from the free-throw line.
Overall, Monk's one year at Kentucky was very productive and proved that he was a very effective scorer from all areas of the floor.
After the 2016 season, Monk declared for the 2017 NBA Draft where he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round with the No. 11 overall pick.
During Monk's time with the Hornets he was up and down. which resulted in him being an restricted free agent following the 2020 season because his rookie contract was up and with him being a free agent, he decided to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers for one season.
In 2021, Monk has a solid campaign with the Lakers which ultimately led to him signing with the Kings and he has been solid contributor for Sacramento ever since.
When it comes to Monk's role for the Kings, he has primarily come off the bench to provide solid scoring and this role has suited him very well as he has become one of the better and more consistent bench scorers in the entire NBA.
As far as Monk's career stats go, he has been solid as he has averaged 12.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 0.6 steals per game. With these numbers, it is clear that Monk's strength is as a scorer, but he can be a decent playmaker as well.
When it comes to Monk's efficiency, he has been great as he has career shooting splits of 43.4 percent from the field, 35.5 percent from three, and 85.1 percent from the free-throw line, which demonstrates his ability to score efficiently from each area of the floor.
With that in mind, for the 2026 season, Monk will bring the Kings what he has brought them over the past few seasons and that is a very reliable scorer off the bench who can also be a solid playmaker and overall he ensures that the Sacramento offense does not stall when the starters step off the floor.
So, heading into 2026, if Monk can continue to be efficient from the floor and score consistently, be a solid playmaker, and run the Kings offense well coming off the bench he should be able to help Sacramento have a good offensive attack and he may have an argument to win sixth man of the year.
