Monk embracing Kings leadership opportunity after roster makeover

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Monk embracing Kings leadership opportunity after roster makeover originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Kings introductions sounded different on Wednesday at Golden 1 Center. It was the night before the NBA’s Feb. 6 trade deadline, and the mark of a new era of basketball in Sacramento.

For the first time in the 191 games he played with Sacramento, Malik Monk’s name was first.

“At guard, standing 6-foot-3, out of Kentucky, zero, Malik Monk,” Kings PA announcer Scott Moak belted.

Monk’s new backcourt mate, Zach LaVine, was making his Kings debut and was introduced next. DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis rounded out the first five.

The life-without-De’Aaron-Fox era had begun.

Sacramento lost by 19 to the Orlando Magic, but the chatter postgame had little to do with the actual contest. It was the first time most players spoke to the media since Fox was traded to the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 2. Monk stood at his locker and was asked about his friend’s exit, to which the always-honest Monk shared a quickly viral response.

But it was his next answer that stood out most.

“I got to be better,” Monk said. “I’m going to be better.”

Those words foreshadowed what’s to come in the aftermath of a franchise makeover. This is now Monk’s team. He’s ready to take accountability. He wants to.

Monk’s time to shine

And despite it being an emotional past month-and-a-half for the Kings, Monk’s focus strictly was on basketball. Moving forward and moving on.

“Hell nah, hell nah,” Monk told NBC Sports California when asked if he imagined being on the Kings without Fox, his college teammate at Kentucky. “It’s crazy. I think everybody’s still shocked about it but we got a game tonight, so those are the things you got to work on.”

From questioning whether he belonged in the league during his time in Charlotte to finding a home in Sacramento two years ago to being named a bona fide starter this season to now being presented with a unique opportunity for the first time in his life – Monk won’t take the moment for granted.

“Everything,” Monk told NBC Sports California when asked…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/monk-embracing-kings-leadership-opportunity-160243175.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2025-02-11 16:02:00

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