Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Malik Monk

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

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

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 18, 2015: Committed to Kentucky

On November 18, 2015, Malik Monk committed to playing basketball for the University of Kentucky, choosing them over Arkansas.

January 2016: McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic

In January 2016, Monk played in the 2016 McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic, earning Co-MVP honors alongside De'Aaron Fox.

December 17, 2016: Kentucky Freshman Scoring Record

On December 17, 2016, Malik Monk set a University of Kentucky freshman scoring record with 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 an 85–69 win over South Carolina.

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 tallied 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 with the eleventh overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets.

July 2, 2017: Signed with the Charlotte 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 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 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 present.

December 26, 2017: NBA G League Assignment

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

2017: Declared for the NBA Draft

In 2017, Malik Monk announced that he would forgo his final three years of college eligibility and enter the 2017 NBA draft, where he was projected as a first-round selection.

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. He was also selected in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets with the 11th overall pick.

February 1, 2021: 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 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 Against Denver Nuggets

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 the 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.

February 24, 2023: Career-High 45 Points

On February 24, 2023, Malik Monk scored a career-high 45 points in a 176–175 double-overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

July 6, 2024: Re-signed with the Kings

On July 6, 2024, Malik Monk re-signed with the Kings for a four-year contract worth $78 million, a max allowed contract with a player option in the fourth year.