In a season where everything that could reasonably go wrong has gone wrong, the hits just keep coming. This time, the NBA has assessed a $2,000.00 fine against Malik Monk for flopping. Making things worse is the fact that he definitely flopped on the play in question against the Grizzlies.
Definitely a flop from Malik, but curious as to how they determine what is and isn't worthy of a fine. https://t.co/I5gBukzi5y pic.twitter.com/XEmztExFoK
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) December 2, 2025
Zach Edey, who had an incredible game and was all over the Kings, was cutting to the basket. He was trying to get open for a shot, which he did successfully. This was the story of Edey's evening as he finished 32 points, 17 rebounds, and five blocks. He was on a heater.
As Edey moved into position, he made slight contact with Malik Monk, who was somewhat behind him. Monk threw himself to the ground like he was a pedestrian running into traffic as part of an insurance scam. Edey barely touched him, yet was assessed a foul in the course of the game.
Making it even worse was the fact that Monk's impersonation of a fish on the bottom of a boat tripped up Zach LaVine. He was on the ground for a moment, briefly clutching his own knee. Monk almost took out his own guy in the process of selling a non-existent foul.
The perfect visual of the Kings' season
Ultimately, Monk was hit with a $2,000.00 fine by the league. Keeping in mind how much money Monk actually makes, this amount is more symbolic than anything else. This should be considered a warning that the league is paying attention to these kinds of issues.
Regardless, it would be more impactful if the NBA did this with any consistency. There have been numerous instances of obvious flopping across the league this season without any fines. It's hard to say what flopping criteria warrant a fine, and how that is determined.
The Monk flopping incident is also a perfect visual for the Kings' season so far. They can't even flop right. Not only did he get busted by the league, but he also almost injured his teammate. Some days, it feels impossible to fully encapsulate how big of ditch the Kings have driven this season into.
Look, players sell fouls in the NBA all the time. But there's a difference between slightly overacting a legitimate foul to get the refs' attention and throwing yourself on the ground like a crazy person to draw a fake foul. At this point, the Kings are just making their own bad luck.