The Philadelphia 76ers hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. As the draft gets closer, the top two picks seem to be locked in for sure. The Boston Celtics seem to be sold on selecting PG Markelle Fultz at No. 1, and the L.A. Lakers will most likely take PG Lonzo Ball at No. 2. So, Philly has to find the next best thing in the draft to those two prospects. Malik Monk from Kentucky is arguably that next best choice for the Philly.
Monk was a star at UK
Malik Monk had an outstanding one and done season at the University of Kentucky. Monk was the team leader in scoring, averaging 19.8 points per game.
More importantly, he is a protege of John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats, who are known to produce nothing but eventual NBA superstars. Calipari utilized Monk as his primary scorer throughout the entire season. Monk posted a Kentucky freshman record when he dropped 47 points in a game during his only college season. Monk also led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament by defeating Lonzo Ball's UCLA Bruins in the Sweet Sixteen.
Why Monk fits the Sixers
It's safe to say the Philadelphia 76ers arguably have the most talented frontcourt in the league with Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, and Joel Embiid. Where they lack the proper talent to become a playoff team is at the guard position.
Timothe Luwawu showed he could be good in the backcourt when he was finally given the chance. Unfortunately, the little time that he was given wasn't enough to be 100 percent sold.
However, if the 76ers draft Malik Monk, who is a proven scoring machine, they will have a go to guy that every team needs in order to be an NBA title contender.
Adding Monk to an already explosive frontcourt will propel Philly to the top of the Eastern Conference in no time.
Possible 2017-18 starting line for 76ers
If the Philadelphia 76ers make the wise choice at number three for Malik Monk, they could potentially have the best young starting lineup the NBA has to offer. Here's a possible glimpse of the starting lineup for the 76ers this coming season.
PG- Malik Monk, SG- Timothe Luwawu, SF- Ben Simmons, PF- Jahlil Okafor, C- Joel Embiid.
Dario Saric could very much well be the starting power forward for Philly this coming season, but with Jahlil Okafor still remaining on the team, it could be wiser for them to bring his proven scoring abilities off the bench for now. Either way, drafting Malik Monk at No. 3 come June 22nd should make them a guaranteed powerhouse in the East.
