Los Angeles Lakers land their dream prospect in 2017 NBA Mock Draft

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) drives to the basket past Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) drives to the basket past Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers land their dream prospect in 2017 NBA Mock Draft
Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) reacts after a three-point basket against the Wichita State Shockers during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Joseph-USA TODAY Sports /

. Shooting Guard. Kentucky. Malik Monk. 11. player. 170

The Charlotte Hornets could be getting a huge steal with Malik Monk at No. 11. There are mocks that have Monk going as high as No. 3 to the Philadelphia 76ers. He is by far the best shooting guard prospect in this year’s class, which is a good and bad thing.

There are some teams that are skeptical of Monk’s long-term outlook. He is listed at only 6-feet-3 inches tall, which is short for a shooting guard. Monk will have to show he’s capable of playing point guard to reach his potential. If he is unable to do that, he could be destined for a sixth man role in the form of Jamal Crawford.

There is nothing wrong with that, but selecting a tweener high in the lottery could cost front office people their jobs. At 11, the Hornets should feel comfortable selecting Monk. He is the unquestioned best scorer in this year’s class as he can fill it up.

Look no further than the 47 point explosion against North Carolina, or the 34, 37, and 33 point games against Ole Miss, Georgia, and Florida.

He is a relentless scorer. Despite his size, he can get to the rim. He also has limitless range on his jump shot well beyond the three-point line. The skill set is there for him to become an elite defender as well.

The only thing truly holding Monk back is his size. Had he been 6-feet-5 inches tall he would be a lock for the top-five, probably top-three. But he is not, so if his size deters some teams from selecting him the Hornets will be glad to snatch him up here.