Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Malik Monk

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 14, 2026

Discover the career path of Malik Monk, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Malik Monk is a professional basketball player currently playing for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. He was a highly touted prospect after one season at the University of Kentucky, where he was named a consensus second-team All-American. Monk was drafted 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2017 NBA draft. He has also played for the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing his scoring ability and athleticism throughout his NBA career.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 17, 2016: University of Kentucky Freshman Scoring Record

On December 17, 2016, Malik Monk set a University of Kentucky freshman scoring record by scoring 47 points in a game against North Carolina.

January 21, 2017: Scored 27 points against South Carolina

On January 21, 2017, Malik Monk scored 27 points in a game against South Carolina, contributing to an 85-69 victory.

January 31, 2017: Scored 37 points against Georgia

On January 31, 2017, Malik Monk scored 37 points in a game against Georgia.

February 25, 2017: Tallied 33 points against Florida

On February 25, 2017, Malik Monk scored 33 points in a 76-66 victory over Florida.

February 28, 2017: Scored 27 points against Vanderbilt

On February 28, 2017, Malik Monk scored 27 points in a 73-67 win over Vanderbilt.

June 22, 2017: Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets

On June 22, 2017, Malik Monk was selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the eleventh overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.

July 2, 2017: Signed with the Hornets

On July 2, 2017, Malik Monk signed his rookie-scale contract with the Charlotte Hornets, worth $15,726,047.

October 25, 2017: Recorded 17 points against the Denver Nuggets

On October 25, 2017, Malik Monk recorded 17 points, two steals, and two assists in a 110-93 victory against the Denver Nuggets.

November 1, 2017: Scored 25 points against the Milwaukee Bucks

On November 1, 2017, Malik Monk scored 25 points in a 126-121 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, with Kentucky coach John Calipari in attendance.

December 26, 2017: Assigned to Greensboro Swarm

On December 26, 2017, Malik Monk was assigned to the Greensboro Swarm, the Charlotte Hornets' NBA G League affiliate, for one game where he recorded 25 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

2017: Declared for the NBA Draft

In 2017, Malik Monk declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility after his freshman season.

2017: All-American Honors and NBA Draft

In 2017, Malik Monk earned consensus second-team All-American honors while playing college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats. In the 2017 NBA draft he was selected in the first round by the Charlotte Hornets with the 11th overall pick.

February 26, 2020: Suspended for Violating Substance Use Policy

On February 26, 2020, Malik Monk was suspended indefinitely for violating the NBA's substance use policy.

February 1, 2021: Scored Career-High 36 Points

On February 1, 2021, Malik Monk scored a then-career-high 36 points in a 129–121 overtime win over the Miami Heat.

August 6, 2021: Signed with the Los Angeles Lakers

On August 6, 2021, Malik Monk signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a trade-exception salary deal.

April 10, 2022: Career-High 41 Points

On April 10, 2022, Malik Monk scored a then-career-high 41 points in a 146–141 win over the Denver Nuggets.

July 6, 2022: Signed with Sacramento Kings

On July 6, 2022, Malik Monk signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, reuniting with his former college teammate De'Aaron Fox.