Why the Kings should still lean on Malik Monk in 2026-27

Malik Monk appears to be entering the 2026-27 season as something of an afterthought in Sacramento. Matt George believes that is a mistake.

With the Kings entering a new era under general manager Scott Perry and rookie Darius Acuff Jr. expected to take over as a starting guard, Monk has increasingly been discussed as a player who may not fit Sacramento’s long-term vision.

But George believes the Kings should instead lean into what Monk has already proven he can do.

“Malik Monk is still such a good player, and I don’t understand why it’s felt like since De’Aaron Fox was traded that Monk has been viewed as part of Sacramento’s decline,” George said on the latest edition of Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 12: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after he made a three-point basket over LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center on January 12, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Are we underestimating Malik Monk?

The numbers suggest Malik Monk’s production has fluctuated, but his ability to create offense remains valuable.

In 2023-24, Monk averaged 15.4 points and 5.1 assists per game. The following season, he reached career highs of 17.2 points and 5.6 assists while shooting 32.5% from three. Last season, his production dropped to 12.5 points and 3.0 assists per game, but he shot a career-best 39.5% from beyond the arc while averaging just 22 minutes per game–nearly a ten-minute decline from 2024-25.

George believes that drop in production shouldn’t obscure the role Monk can play.

“Malik is here, and he’s still incredibly valuable, and he still provides something that you desperately need, which is ball handling, creation, and three-point shooting,” George said.

That role could become especially important with Acuff taking over as Sacramento’s lead guard. George does not believe Monk should be asked to become the primary point guard, but rather a secondary creator who can play alongside Acuff or lead the second unit.

“Malik Monk is really good in the pick and roll,” George said. “As a secondary ball handler and a creator, someone to come off the bench, back up Darius Acuff Jr., he can even play next to Darius Acuff Jr. That’s what makes Malik Monk so special.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 03: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after making a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at Golden 1 Center on January 03, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

That is essentially the role Monk excelled in during the Beam Team era. His 5.1 assists per game in 2023-24 and 5.6 assists in 2024-25 demonstrated that he could provide significant playmaking without needing to dominate the ball.

George believes Sacramento should rediscover that version of Monk rather than treating him as a player who needs to be replaced.

“Why can he not still be that? What has Malik Monk shown us at all to suggest that has changed?” George asked. “Nothing. The circumstances of the Kings have changed; the guy leading the front office has changed. Malik Monk has not changed.”

For a Kings team searching for an identity, George believes Monk’s established role, energy, and offensive versatility should make him one of the easiest players to identify in the rotation.

“I should not and do not have any questions about Malik,” George said. “Other than is he going to get the opportunity to be himself or not?”

Monk is entering a crucial 20226-27 season. If Monk feels his production and numbers are in a good place come next summer, he can decline his $21 million contract for 2027-28 and enter free agency, although that scenario doesn’t appear likely.

Still, this upcoming season is shaping up to be an important one for the Kentucky product, and it would be in Sacramento’s best interest to lean on Monk when games begin this fall.

Listen to all episodes of Sactown Sports’ Matt George wherever you get your podcasts, and watch each episode on SactownSports.com, the Sactown Sports app, or the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Sacramento Kings release 2026-27 regular season schedule
• Could Victor Oladipo’s ties with Scott Perry result in a deal with Sacramento?
• Russell Westbrook’s time in Sacramento was brief–but impactful
• Carmichael Dave: The Kings should sign Ben Simmons
• Why Domantas Sabonis could be key to Kings’ new identity
• Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale names Kings’ best trade partners for Zach LaVine

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned to Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, analysis, and much more.

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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