Malik Monk Declares for 2017 NBA Draft After Freshman Season at Kentucky

On Tuesday, the Kentucky Wildcats announced Malik Monk has made himself eligible for the 2017 NBA draft on June 22.   

The school noted Monk plans to sign with an agent, ending his college career.

Monk had an outstanding freshman season with the Wildcats. He averaged 19.8 points per game on 45 percent shooting, including 39.7 percent from beyond the arc.

Only three games into his college career, Monk made a name for himself when he scored 23 points in a 69-48 win over the then-No. 13 Michigan State Spartans on Nov. 15. He also dropped 24 points in the Wildcats' Dec. 3 loss to the UCLA Bruins.

Monk's signature performance came in Kentucky's 103-100 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels—one of the best games during the 2016-17 regular season. The freshman scored 47 points, his three-pointer with 19 seconds remaining the decisive blow.

Monk's choice comes as little surprise.

Kentucky routinely loses its best players to the NBA after only a year, which has become a badge of honor for Wildcats head coach John Calipari. In addition, Monk is one of the top overall talents in the 2017 draft class.

At 6'3", Monk doesn't have the ideal frame to play 2-guard at the next level, but Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman argued it has little impact on his ability as a scorer:

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Monk however, is 6'3", but he nonetheless further established his world-class shot-making while showing off advanced perimeter shot creativity. He's a pro at finding ways to create just enough separation, whether it's with a pump fake, screen, step-back or hang dribble to rock his man back.

Throw in fearlessness and confidence, and Monk's clearly a threat to catch fire. You got the impression he saw a hula hoop instead of a rim against North Carolina. When locked in, he can score in bunches and take over stretches of a game.

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With the evolution of the point guard in the NBA, Monk could play that position. In another era, Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard would be considered the furthest thing from a point guard. Today, they're two of the best in the game.

In order to successfully make the move, Monk will need to become a better decision-maker. He averaged 2.3 assists but turned the ball over two times per game this year.

Despite the questions about his size and his fit on the court, Monk will almost certainly be a top-10 selection this summer. He's basically the player the New Orleans Pelicans thought they were getting when they selected Buddy Hield sixth overall in 2016—and Monk is four years younger.

Monk will have growing pains as he adjusts to the NBA, and he's bound to frustrate fans on occasion with his shot selection. Still, he has all of the tools to become an All-Star at the next level.