One figure notable by his absence in the preseason was Malik Monk. It's quite possible the illness that kept him out of preseason games three and four has been dogging him for weeks and slowing his game down. With injuries piling up, the Kings need their legendary sixth man more than ever.
The 2025-2026 preseason hasn't exactly been kind to the Sacramento Kings. They went one and three while also losing Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis to injuries. To make matters worse, some of their starters have been exceptionally unproductive.
When the chips are down for the Kings, the presence of Malik Monk usually lifts their spirits and helps the team get back in the game. He's been a serious contender for Sixth Man of the Year in the past for good reason. But even he is having a tough time in the preseason.
A sick Malik Monk
Monk missed practice on Tuesday and the Kings' preseason matchups with the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers due to an undisclosed illness. Keeping in mind that Monk is a reliable workhorse as a general rule, he must be dealing with something serious to prevent him from taking the court.
What's interesting is that his game was relatively quiet in the previous two preseason games. Against the Raptors, he picked up eight points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal. It wasn't much better against the Blazers, with eight points, one rebound, and two assists.
During the 2024-2025 regular season, Monk was averaging 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. His numbers in the 2025-2026 preseason are well below where he was at last year. Monk's usual performance would have been a difference maker against both the Raptors and the Blazers.
The Kings need a healthy Monk
Whatever he is sick with, it's possible that it has been causing Monk problems for a while. His game has seemed slower and less productive, which is strange for a man generally known for being impactful and explosive off the bench. It's definitely a problem for the Kings.
With Murray on the bench for up to six weeks and Sabonis nursing a hamstring, the last thing the Kings need is Monk on an extended leave due to illness. Naturally, Malik's health has to be the priority. He needs to get himself right before he can help get his team right. That's just how it is.
Still, there's no denying that the Kings need him at full strength. The bench needs a strong leader, and that has been Malik Monk for the last three seasons. Given the current state of the Kings, losing Monk would likely mean the season is washed, even if it's only for a few weeks.