New York Knicks News Mix, 5/19/17: Malik Monk to Point Guard, Jrue Holiday Update
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

NBA execs think Malik Monk should switch to point guard while there’s an update on the free agency of New York Knicks target Jrue Holiday.

The search for the next New York Knicks point guard has yielded another possible option. This one is pretty unexpected.

Malik Monk‘s best NBA position has been a subject of debate since he became a prominent recruit in high school. He was labeled a “combo guard” and played the two next to point guard and fellow one-and-done star De’Aaron Fox.

It seemed natural that Monk would be a shooting guard in the Association too. Well, maybe not.

Marc Berman of The New York Post reports that some NBA executives believe Monk will need to switch to point guard if he wants to be a starter. Per Berman, the reason is Monk’s size (6’3″) and unusually short wingspan (6’3.5″).

“[Monk is] a volume shooter,’’ a Western Conference executive said. “He’s all about cutting and moving. He’s a helluva shooter. … With him, he needs to play point and it’s not a position he wants to play. He’s a talented kid, but a 6-3, two-guard is tiny.’’

 


The first option to replace Derrick Rose at the point guard spot will be the draft. If the Knicks go in another direction with their pick, they will look to free agency to fill the void.

One option is Jrue Holiday. It was already reported that the team is interested in pursuing him. His brother, Justin Holiday, played for the Knicks last season and is likely to be re-signed by the team.

The 26-year-old’s current team, the New Orleans Pelicans, will try and re-sign him. They can offer him the most money so that could be a problem for New York.

Ian Begley of ESPN New York reports some new competition for Holiday this summer.

Via ESPN:

One team that’s interested in free agent point guard Jrue Holdiay? The Dallas Mavericks. League sources say members of the Mavericks organization view Holiday as a free agent target this summer. Holiday will likely command top dollar on the market and Dallas would probably have to clear some cap space to make Holiday a competitive offer. New Orleans would also like to retain Holiday and can offer him more money than any other team. Some in the Knicks organization are fans of the 26-year-old, though it’s unclear just how strong that interest is from New York. The length and amount of Holiday’s contract would likely take New York out of the running.

The Dallas Mavericks need a point guard just as badly as the Knicks do. They were playing Seth Curry and Yogi Ferrel at the position last season.

Both guys turned into nice role players, but neither one is an NBA starter.

ESNY’s Robbie Stratakos tells you why the Knicks should pursue Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell.

ESNY’s Skylar Darel talks about the vastly different paths of the division rival Knicks and Boston Celtics.

ESNY’s Chip Murphy gives you the lowdown on Dennis Smith Jr.