Los Angeles Lakers get high mark in complete 2017 NBA Draft first round grades

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA prospects pose for a group photo before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA prospects pose for a group photo before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Los Angeles Lakers
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Malik Monk (Kentucky) shows off the inside of his suit jacket as he is introduced as the number eleven overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

One of the teams that benefited from how the draft played out was the Charlotte Hornets. Coming in with the 11th overall pick, the Hornets were able to land one of the best scorers in the entire draft class.

At Kentucky, guard Malik Monk proved to be one of the best freshmen in the country, as he and De’Aaron Fox combined to be one of the best backcourts in the country. As the SEC Player of the Year, Monk averaged 19.8 points per game. With an ability to score driving to the basket or shooting from anywhere on the court, the Hornets are getting a very good player in Monk.

One of the possible knocks on Monk is that he is listed at just 6’3”. Ideally, Monk would play shooting guard in the NBA. However, his size might cause some tough matchups for him. If he adds some strength, he should be able to provide some instant offense for the Hornets right away off the bench.

As he develops as a player, Monk could be a very valuable sixth man in the right situation. Few players can score as easily as Monk, and that is something that will result in a nice NBA career.