Amick: Malik Monk-less Kings are searching for an identity

Apr 11, 2024, 8:33 AM

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 20: Domantas Sabonis #10 and Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings celebrate ag...

(Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Since losing Sixth Man of the Year favorite Malik Monk to a knee injury, the Sacramento Kings have struggled down the final stretch of the regular season.

The Athletic’s Sam Amick joined The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross on Thursday morning to share his thoughts on how Monk’s absence has hurt Sacramento, dive into the current state of the NBA postseason race, and much more.

Plus: Sam explains why he feels the Kings are experiencing an identity crisis as they adapt to life without Monk and Kevin Huerter.

Topics Discussed

Sam and the guys reflect on the passing of OJ Simpson
The Kings and Pelicans will meet on Thursday for a crucial game in the NBA postseason race
Sam says the loss of Malik Monk has been a significant hurdle for Sacramento
“They are just inconsistent… It’s going to be a Play-In scenario, most likely.”
While the Kings have improved on defense (they are 14th in defensive rating), they are still near the bottom of the West.
“They are down significant players, and other teams are getting healthy… You just don’t know what to make of these guys. They just don’t have it right now, and it’s a bad time of the year to not have it.”
Amick says the Kings have an identity problem
The Lakers and Warriors could meet in the 9-10 Play-In game
Has the Play-In been a success for the NBA?
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo expected to miss an extended period of time?
Klay Thompson’s free agency could affect the Kings’ chances of retaining Malik Monk

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Click here for full episodes of The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross.

More on Malik Monk & the Kings

Senior NBA Insider believes Sacramento has ‘decent shot’ to keep Malik Monk

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento will return home for the final three games of the regular season, and they will be welcomed back with a back-to-back that could very well make or break its chase of the sixth-seed race in the West standings.

The Kings will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night in front of a national audience on TNT before meeting the Phoenix Suns 24 hours later on Friday.

If Sacramento wants to avoid the Play-In, they will likely need both wins against two teams that are also looking to secure an automatic playoff berth and avoid any single-elimination scenarios.

New Orleans has dominated the Kings this season, holding a 4-0 record while outscoring Sacramento by an average of 21.0 points during four matchups.

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Pelicans coverage, beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from Golden 1 Center.

Upcoming Schedule

Thursday, April 11th – Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans – 7:00 PM PST
Friday, April 12th – Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns – 7:00 PM PST
Sunday, April 14th – Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers – 12:30 PM PST (End of regular season)

Postseason Schedule