Monk was a consensus five-star prospect and considered as one of the best players in the 2016 class by the four main recruiting services: Rivals, ESPN, Scout and 247Sports.[9][10][11][12] Monk was ranked as the No.9 overall recruit and No.1 shooting guard in the 2016 high school class.[13][14][15]
On December 17, 2016, Monk set a University of Kentucky freshman scoring record with 47 points in a win over North Carolina.[16] Twelve days later, he scored 34 points on 5-for-7 three-point shooting in a 99–76 win over Ole Miss.[17] On January 21, 2017, Monk scored 27 points in a 85–69 win over South Carolina.[18] On January 31, 2017, he scored 37 points against Georgia.[19] On February 25, 2017, Monk tallied 33 points in a 76–66 victory over Florida.[20] On February 28, 2017, Monk scored 27 points in a 73–67 win over Vanderbilt.[21] At the end of his freshman season, Monk was named SEC Player and Freshman of the Year, while also being named to both First-team All-SEC and the SEC All-Freshman team.[22]
At the conclusion of his freshman season, Monk announced that he would forgo his final three years of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2017 NBA draft where he was projected as a first-round selection.[23]
Less than 24 hours after teammate De'Aaron Fox announced his intentions to declare for the draft Monk also announced he was declaring for the draft. Stating, "After taking some time with my family and reflecting on this season, I have decided to enter my name into the 2017 NBA draft."[23]
Professional career
Charlotte Hornets (2017–2021)
Monk with the Hornets in 2018
On June 22, 2017, Monk was selected with the eleventh overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets.[24] On July 2, 2017, Monk signed his rookie-scale contract with the Hornets worth $15,726,047.[25] Monk missed the entire 2017 NBA Summer League due to an ankle injury. In his fourth game on October 25, 2017, Monk recorded 17 points, two steals and two assists in a 110–93 victory against the Denver Nuggets. On November 1, 2017, with Kentucky coach John Calipari on hand,[26] Monk scored 25 points in a 126–121 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks.[27]
During his rookie season, Monk was assigned to the Hornets' NBA G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, for one game. He scored 25 points, collected eight rebounds and recorded four assists in a December 26, 2017 game.[28] On February 26, 2020, Monk was suspended indefinitely for violating the NBA's substance use policy.[29] Before the suspension, Monk was averaging 10.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. He was reinstated on June 8, after it was determined he was in compliance with the anti-drug program.[30] On February 1, 2021, Monk scored a then-career-high 36 points in a 129–121 overtime win over the Heat.[31]
Los Angeles Lakers (2021–2022)
On August 6, 2021, Monk signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a trade-exception salary deal.[32] On April 10, 2022, Monk put up a then-career-high 41 points in a 146–141 win over the Denver Nuggets.[33]
Sacramento Kings (2022–present)
On July 6, 2022, Monk signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the Sacramento Kings reuniting with his former college teammate De'Aaron Fox.[34][35] On February 24, 2023, Monk scored a career-high 45 points in a 176–175 double-overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers, the second-highest-scoring game in NBA history.[36] In game 1 of the Kings' first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, Monk scored 32 points on perfect 14-of-14 shooting from the free throw line in a 126–123 win. He also tied Ed Macauley's record for the most free throws made without a miss in a playoff debut.[37]
On July 6, 2024, Monk re-signed with the Kings.[38] Monk signed a four-year contract worth $78 million. It was a max allowed contract by the Kings incentivized with a player option in the fourth year.[39]
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