By John Wetzel, Sports Talk Philly staff
News surfaced earlier today that is bound to make a lot of Sixers fans happy. Kentucky guard Malik Monk will visit for a pre-draft workout on Thursday, the team confirmed on Twitter.
Monk would be the first big name draft prospect to come in for a visit. Needless to say, people in Philly were getting a little restless with there now only being nine days until the NBA draft. Monk looks to be more of a trade down option at this point, but would be a welcome addition to the Sixers' offense no matter where he is drafted.
Monk has been on the Sixers' radar all season long because of his shooting ability. He would fit right into the Sixers' offense as a two-guard. He posted an impressive 39.7 shooting percentage from beyond the arc and his shooting motion looks to be able to translate well to the NBA.
He would bring them quick and lethal perimeter shooting which they've been lacking the past few seasons. He has also shown potential shooting off the dribble, especially in the pick and roll game, because of his quick trigger he's able to get his shot off in tight space. While shooting is Monk's bread and butter on offense, he's also a great athlete and is already a terrific weapon in transition when driving to the rack.
The problems with Monk's game is his defense and his height. Standing 6'4" and around 195 pounds, Monk will likely be guarding point guards and smaller shooting guards. But what will get Monk his money in the NBA will be his offensive skill set. The Sixers will need someone to space the floor to help Ben Simmons run the offense and Malik Monk fits that bill to a T.
