Malik Monk named finalist for NBA’s 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year

Apr 21, 2024, 8:08 PM

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 01: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings walks off the court after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on March 01, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Kings defeated the Timberwolves 124-120 in overtime. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sactown Sports writer

Despite an unfortunate ending, Malik Monk had a phenomenal 2023-24 NBA campaign with the Sacramento Kings. With all 72 games played as a reserve, his outstanding efforts were acknowledged by being named one of the three finalists for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year.

Malik Monk averaged 15.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds on 44.3 from the field, 35.0 percent from three on 3.4 attempts per game, and 82.9 percent from the free-throw line. The Kentucky alum was essential to his team’s production, finishing third in scoring and assists on Sacramento’s roster.

With big performances throughout the season, his offensive spark off the bench was reminiscent of former multiple Sixth Man of the Year winners Lou Williams, Jamal Crawford, and Manu Ginobili.

The two additional candidates vying for the award included Minnesota’s Naz Ried and Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis. The NBA on TNT crew will announce the award winners during the playoffs. The first award will be announced on Tuesday, April 23.

The 2023-24 #KiaSixth finalists:

⭐️ Naz Reid
⭐️ Malik Monk
⭐️ Bobby Portis pic.twitter.com/WgmZNRHaxV

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 21, 2024

Monk’s 15.4 points were second among reserves, while 5.1 assists per game ranked third. Recording 17 games with at least 20 points and five assists in an average of 26.0 minutes per night gave Kings’ head coach Mike Brown a punch off the bench. He often complimented the spark Monk provided, and even if he wasn’t on the floor at the start of games, he was frequently at the end.

An unfortunate knee injury caused Malik Monk to miss the final nine games of the regular season and two play-in matchups against the Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans. His production could have aided in their final loss, but it was still a stellar 2023-24 season for Monk.