Aside from crazy hops, his ability to contort his body under the basket is really something. It really looks like he should not be able to twist like that at all, but somehow he does - and scores.
The only bad thing about the Monk signing (since even if he sucks, it's still the minimum) is if he blows up, we have no way to resign him.
A lot of Player's Salaries come off the books in 2022.. I'm sure there will be plenty of options to resign him, if both Parties want it.
Unfortunately, Lebron, Russ and AD alone are enough to send us over the cap. The projected cap is 119 million. Those three alone will be making 128. Add in THT and we're almost at the projected luxury tax line of 145 million. Only way we retain him at anything above the MLE is if we are able to unload Westbrook into pure salary cap space.
The big logo stuck in the middle of the bottom of the screen was annoying as was the “arty” soft and muted off color effect, but great assembly of Monk’s highlights and strengths. In some, not all, of his nice elevating Js he has a little of Kobe’s fall back lean and legs positioning to those shots. Athletic player for sure, same with Nunn. Keeps speed on the roster we lost in KCP and AC.
Well the consolation prize would be that if he blows up, the Lakers probably will likely be celebrating title #2 of the Lebron/AD eras.
I"m still scratching my head how the Hornets missed the boat this badly on Monk. He is incredibly gifted, A level athlete that can do so many things on the court. When he creates going to the bucket, his tempo/direction changes, jump out of the gym ability and his incredible speed off the floor when he jumps is amazing. He also creates a lot of his own 3 attempts and has a quick release. I mean I'm so impressed with this guys game. This video is outstanding too, created by a Laker fan
Monk was the fourth best guard in that Fultz, Lonzo, Fox draft. He was considered one of the better shooters in the draft, an attack first, extremely athletic guard who could have some defensive issues. When he got into the league, he lost his shot and from all accounts wasn't a hard worker (probably where the partying rumours come from) - so he got buried on the bench behind a heavy guard rotation. Monk still has huge potential, and he should be our reclamation project this year. If he can put it together, we should have a highly athletic, excellent shooter at the 2 spot. If he wins the starting position, it means he has improved his defence and should be in line for a nice contract.
A young JR Smith can be a fantastic 3rd option if your first two are Lebron and AD. As a 4th option behind Lebron, AD and Russ?
the key is functioning as part of a team, though. monk's team hasn't generally been better when he's on the floor yet (even smith's were at a similar point his career). can he set screens, make the right pass, defend within the team scheme, etc.? iow, he can do the stuff (dunk and hit threes) that excites fans, but can he do the stuff that wins games (a la eagle)?
1. Not really. 2. Yes, definitely. 3. It's debatable. He has the physical tools for sure, but will have to dedicate himself to playing team D, because he hasn't done much of that so far. All good a valid questions, by the way!
Most intriguing of our new acquisitions. Hoping he and Nunn can give us some youthful energy this season.
Contract year has a way of focusing the mind particularly when you going to have to fight for minutes
this and it might encourage the next young guy who needs a career boost to take the min to play for us the following season. it's a potential operating model, tbh.
Love that highlight reel. I’m rooting for him for sure. He might even get that starting spot honestly. He could be deadly getting open looks from Westbrook AD and Lebron.
