
With De'Aaron Fox gone, Malik Monk spoke to NBC Sports California's Tristi Rodriguez about his readiness to take on more responsibility as the face of the Sacramento Kings' franchise.
The eight assists are the most Monk has accumulated in a game since January 29 against Philadelphia, before Sacramento traded De'Aaron Fox to San Antonio. Monk's had to adjust to being the primary ball-handler on the court, and the adjustment hasn't been smooth. In the five games the Kings have played since the trade, Monk has shot 40 percent from the field and averaged 17.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 3.8 turnovers. Two games against New Orleans before the All-Star break are a good opportunity for Malik to build on Monday's performance.
Gafford joins the list of injured Mavs, which leaves them even more shorthanded in the frontcourt. Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II are still sidelined, which means that Kylor Kelley is the only available center in the lineup. Gafford bumped knees with Malik Monk, and Dallas should provide a clearer timeline for his return if this ends up being a lengthy absence.
Monk's production reflected that this game was a tale of two halves. Monk was held scoreless in the first half, but he was able to figure things out after the break. Sacramento outscored the Pelicans 45-22 in the third quarter, which decided the game. The new-look Kings are still trying to figure out how things work without De'Aaron Fox, and Monk has struggled. However, he has had an excellent season, and he should continue to see a usage bump as the team's point guard.
Monk has now had back-to-back games with at least 21 points and at least seven rebounds in the first two games of the post-De'Aaron Fox era in Sacramento. Even though the Kings acquired Zach LaVine as part of the Fox trade, Monk's fantasy value should remain unchanged with him remaining in the Kings starting lineup.