Defense is often a neglected part of basketball. But for Malik Monk, he's making sure that is a focus for the Kings during the 2023-23 NBA season.
In an interview with Jonathan Bradley, the Kings' social media manager, the 24-year-old Monk laid out his goals for this upcoming season.
"Make it to the playoffs, of course," Monk said. "And make it to the top-10 in defense."
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Monk noted how important defense is to get to where the team wants to be and he reiterated what can happen if the team plays solid defense throughout the season.
"I think everything else will play out itself because the offense is going to come off the defense and feed off the defense," Monk continued.
For the Kings, focusing on the defensive end is a start.
Last season, they were 26th in defensive rating and opponent effective field goal percentage at 115.3 and 55 percent overall, respectively, per Basketball Reference. The Kings also allowed opponents to hit 37 percent of their 3-point looks, tied for worst in the league with the Indiana Pacers.
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For context, seven of the 16 teams that made the playoffs had top-10 defensive ratings. With that in mind, it makes sense why Monk is aiming for a solid defensive rating as a stepping stone to making the postseason.
In the offseason, Monk signed a two-year, $19 million contract to join the Kings. Initially drafted No. 11 overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2017, Monk averaged 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists -- all career highs -- in 76 games (37 starts) with the Los Angeles Lakers last season.
His 47 percent conversion rate from the field last season was a career-best and his 39 percent shooting from 3-point land was the second-highest of his career. Monk has always been known for his offensive acumen but for him to show so much focus on the defensive end just goes to show how committed he is to helping turn things around in Sacramento.
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With the players coming in with the right mindset, such as summer league MVP Keegan Murray just "wanting to win," it seems as if the right pieces are coming together in Sacramento.
If all goes well, this might be the year the Kings' playoff drought comes to an end.